Vice-Chancellor of Oxford Brookes is new Chair of Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership

Professor Alistair Fitt, the Vice-Chancellor of Oxford Brookes University, has been announced as the new Chair of the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP). 

The Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP) champions Oxfordshire’s economic potential. Since its formation in 2011 it has worked with its partners to secure around £1 billion-worth of investment for the Oxfordshire economy.  

Professor Fitt is currently the Deputy Chair of OxLEP and is set to take over in March from Jeremy Long, who has been in post since 2016.

Professor Fitt said: “I am extremely pleased to become the new Chair of OxLEP at a time where supporting our business community has never been more critical.

“Working with businesses, education providers, as well as our local authority and government partners, I believe we are extremely well-positioned to support the ongoing re-emergence and recovery of Oxfordshire’s economy with major opportunities across several areas.

“Opportunities include; creating robust and agile business support programmes that are truly driven by our business community, establishing even greater connections between business and education, as well as working nationally and internationally to drive investment into the county for the benefit of all.”

Professor Fitt’s appointment is one of several new appointments to the Partnership’s non-executive board of directors, drawing upon significant experience from across a variety of sectors and businesses in Oxfordshire. 

Nigel Tipple, Chief Executive of OxLEP, added: “Alistair’s appointment ensures strategic continuity and knowledge of our local economy and its challenges, as well as an in-depth understanding of our role at a time of significant political change, nationally and locally. 

“Alistair is a trusted figure in the Oxfordshire business and education communities, with strong government connections and a high profile on the national stage. He will undoubtedly continue to build upon the excellent foundations laid under the  stewardship of Jeremy, who I am sure will continue to be a great supporter of our work moving forward.”

For more information on OxLEP visit OxLEP’s website.