Brian Johnson steps down as head of Solent LEP

By Stephen Emerson

8 April 2022

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Brian Johnson has confirmed he will be stepping down as Chair of the Solent Local Economic Partnership, to take up the lead position at the Solent Freeport.

The announcement was made at this week’s Solent LEP, AGM.

It was also confirmed that Solent LEP deputy chairperson, Rachael Randall will replace Mr. Johnson as Interim chair of the Solent LEP. Ms. Randall praised Mr Johnson on his “eight years of exceptional service."

New Solent LEP Chair, Rachael Randall, said: "I am very much looking forward to taking on the role and helping further cement the Solent's trajectory of long-term growth while supporting the Government's Levelling Up ambitions.

"Brian leaves the LEP in a very strong position after eight years of exceptional service and we look forward to continuing to work closely with him in his new role as Solent Freeport Chair."

"Throughout the challenges faced by businesses and communities over the last two years, the Solent LEP has continued to champion the region's economic prosperity, work collaboratively with partners and ensure the voice of business is heard. We have helped businesses across the Solent economy through the essential support we offer and, as we move forward from the challenges of recent years, the Solent LEP's role is even more critical for the long-term economic well-being of our region."

Two of the Solent LEP's major achievements this year were recently recognised by Government in the Levelling Up White Paper: namely developing the Solent Freeport and establishing Maritime UK Solent.

Brian Johnson, outgoing Chair of the Solent LEP and Chair of Solent Freeport Consortium Ltd, said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as Chair of the Solent LEP and being part of the team which brought together partner organisations to produce a combined, regional bid for the Solent Freeport.

"This successful, collaborative approach will ensure a freeport in our region will unlock billions of pounds’ worth of investment, create tens of thousands of new jobs and level up our important coastal communities."

By Stephen Emerson

Stephen Emerson is the Managing Editor of The Business Magazine and is responsible for the publication's print publications and online properties including the newly launched Biz News websites in Hampshire and Dorset.

Stephen has been a journalist for 20 years and has worked at local, regional and national publications and led a team which made The Scotsman website one of the fastest growing news sites in the UK with over eight million monthly users.

He has a keen interest in technology, property and corporate finance and telling the stories of the people behind the successful firms in these sectors.