Lucy Winskell to step down as chair of North East Combined Authority Business Board

Lucy Winskell has announced her decision to step down from her role as chair of the North East Combined Authority Business Board.

Ms Winskell, who has been a long-standing advocate for the region’s business community, became the first chair of the North East Combined Authority’s Business Board when it was created earlier this year.

Before taking up the position, she spent four years as chair of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), playing a key role in transitioning the LEP board into the new Mayoral Combined Authority on May 7, making sure that businesses in the North East had a powerful voice in regional development.

READ MORE: Tyne Bridge's final £6m still in doubt as MP Chi Onwurah challenges Government to stick to promise

READ MORE: The People’s Kitchen in Newcastle receives £1,500 donation from local housebuilder

Ms Winskell OBE said: “It has been an honour to serve as chair of the North East Combined Authority’s Business Board and to work alongside such dedicated individuals committed to the growth and prosperity of our region at such a critical time.

“Together, we’ve made remarkable strides in establishing the North East as a centre for innovation and sustainable business growth. I look forward to seeing the Business Board and the wider business community continue to shape our region’s future in the next chapter of this journey.”

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness commended Ms Winskell’s dedication, adding: “Lucy has been a true champion for the North East, and her efforts have strengthened our ability to create opportunities for people across our region. I thank her wholeheartedly and look forward to building on her achievements as we work to make the North East the best place to live, work, and thrive.”

Ms Winskell is the Lord-Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear, His Majesty’s representative in the County, having taken up office in May 2022. Before that she was a solicitor in private practice for 24 years, after which she spent 12 years as Pro Vice-Chancellor at Northumbria University.

During her time at Northumbria, she played a key role in the development of the University’s relationships with the cultural sector and business, as well as local Government, to help shape the university’s contribution to regional economic, cultural and social development, also championing student and graduate start-ups.

Ms Winskell will attend the North East Combined Authority Cabinet for the final time on November 26, when the meeting will discuss proposals for a revised Business and Economy Board. A recruitment process to find her successor will begin following the meeting.