Leicestershire Business Voice (LBV), the premier business advocacy group for Leicester and Leicestershire, has appointed Sue Tilley as its new Chair.

Sue brings significant experience to her new role including economic strategy, inward investment, business innovation, partnerships between business and education, and business development, in both the public and private sectors.

Sue Tilley (c) Beth WalshSue will direct the LBV board members as they develop and deliver a strategy to support the business community in Leicester and Leicestershire. This will include advocating for members and the wider business sector with key local, regional and national stakeholders, running a programme of strategic business-themed events throughout the year and growing the membership of LBV through the new 100 Club initiative.

Sue will replace outgoing Chair, Robin Pointon, who steps down after four years as Chair. Robin will remain on the board of LBV. Robin Pointon said:

“I am delighted that Sue Tilley is our new LBV Chair. Her knowledge of the local business community and key stakeholders is exceptional. More than this, she commands great respect across all sectors and so well suited for this role.”

Sue is Founder and Director of Sue Tilley Associates and a member of the board of trustees at the Leicestershire Education Business Company.

She was previously Head of Inward Investment, Economic Strategy Manager - Business, Head of Business, Innovation and Partnerships, and Head of the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP). Prior to that, Sue was Head of Inward Investment at Prospect Leicestershire, worked in sales director, business development director and general manager roles, and was Owner and Managing Director of the Classy Rags clothing company.

Commenting on her new role, Sue Tilley said:

“LBV is an ideal platform with which local businesses can get involved and make a difference. I’m so proud to have been selected to lead such a trusted business group as LBV and look forward to working with the rest of the board, a group of vibrant business leaders, all invested in the growth of the local business sector."

“Through my professional work, I’m a strong advocate for business in Leicester and Leicestershire. I understand how important relationships are with key stakeholders such as councils, MPs and universities, and having been in a start-up business of my own, I’m passionate about driving opportunities for the local SME community.”