EM3 LEP appoints borough council leader to its board

Waverley Borough Council Leader John Ward has been appointed to the Enterprise M3 LEP Board of Directors.

Cllr Ward’s position was confirmed at the Local Enterprise Partnership’s Board meeting on July 30, after he was nominated as the Surrey District representative by the county’s districts and boroughs within the LEP’s boundaries.

An independent who has served on the council since 2007, Cllr Ward had a successful career overseas in the oil exploration industry after graduating as a mining engineer. After he retired as general manager, he became a qualified financial advisor.

He said: “EM3 is a powerful board with the ability to direct funds towards useful projects for local communities and I would very much like to be involved in that. I am delighted to be offered the opportunity of participating.”

Issues of particular concern to Cllr Ward include traffic and congestion; public health; clean air and pockets of deprivation.

Working abroad in the North Sea, Africa and the Middle and Far East enabled Cllr Ward to see first-hand many levels of deprivation.

EM3 chair Dave Axam said: “John’s passion and affinity for his local area, along with his diverse expertise and leadership experience in both the private and public sector makes him an excellent addition to our Board. We welcome John’s support and contribution to our efforts to grow our economy further and consolidate our position as an inspiring place to work and live.”