LEP endorsements

If you are seeking HotSW endorsement for your project or proposal, we ask that the following process is followed:

  • A business case should be made (up to two sides of A4) showing how the project aligns to the Build Back Better Plan
  • Once this is complete, please submit it via email to janet.powell@heartofswlep.co.uk. Please provide a short covering note with your email and give it the subject line ‘Endorsement’.

A response will usually be forthcoming within two weeks. In the event that the project meets the criteria, a formal letter of endorsement will be issued. If it does not meet the criteria, we will explain the reasons behind our decision.

Please note: the Heart of the South West will not endorse projects verbally. Without the formal letter of endorsement, projects will not be able to claim approval. In the event that this claim is made without foundation, we may elect to inform the appropriate bodies to ensure that our reputation and those of the partners is protected.

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    David Ralph

    Chief Executive

    David Ralph started as Chief Executive of Heart of South West LEP at the beginning of June 2018. Previously, he had spent 5 years as CEO of the Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire (D2N2) LEP from 2013 where he oversaw the development of the D2N2 Strategic Economic Plan and sector strategies, 3 Growth Deals with HM Government to deliver a £1billion capital investment programme, securing and implementing £200m ESIF programme, the Derby and Nottingham Enterprise Zone, the D2N2 Skills Deal and Time for Innovation programme, community fund and led the executive team to develop the HS2 East Midlands hub. He was also closely involved in the proposed North Midlands Devolution Deal and one of the key architects in establishing the Midlands Engine, chairing the officer steering group. Whilst in this role David was a NED of the Nottingham Enterprise Zone, and Marketing NG, the Outer Estates Foundation and a Governor of Nottingham College and on the advisory Board of Nottingham Business School.

    Before the East Midlands, David was CEO of the Have Gateway Partnership working closely with local stakeholders including the ports of Felixstowe, Harwich and Ipswich and BT Adadastral Park across Suffolk and Essex and prior to that was Chief Exec of the Barton Hill New Deal for Communities programme in Bristol and the Nelm Development Trust in Norwich.

    David is a keen sailor, walker and trail runner.