Emma Reynolds, MP for Wolverhampton North East and Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, has called on Local Enterprise Partnerships to work harder to make sure their boards are more representative and have more women on their boards. Local Enterprise Partnerships bring together local authorities and business people to help determine local economic priorities and lead economic growth and job creation within the region. The Black Country LEP board contains 13 men, but no women members.

Emma said: “It is shocking that Local Enterprise Partnerships in the West Midlands have so few women on their boards. Worse still, the Black Country LEP, do not have any women on their board. I have raised this issue with the LEP and I hope that I can help them work towards a more balanced board.”

“LEPs are vital for driving the local economy and it is crucial that women are part of that decision making process. Boards containing both men and women, and people from more diverse backgrounds, are more likely to come up with creative solutions that fit better with the community they serve.”

“I find it impossible to believe that we cannot find a number of effective and experienced businesswomen in the Black Country to be members of the LEP board. We have a wealth of talent in this region, and having their experience on the LEP would make it more effective and representative.”