CUMBRIA Local Enterprise Partnership has appointed four new private-sector directors to its board.

They are Rob Johnston, chief executive of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce; Jim Jackson, Openreach regional infrastructure director; Ian Robinson, procurement director at Innovia Films; and Duncan Peake, chief executive of Holker Group.

Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) were set up by the last government to replace Regional Development Agencies and lead economic regeneration in the English regions.

Their boards have private and public-sector representatives, but should be business-led with a chairman from the private sector.

Cumbria LEP has adopted a strategic plan setting out how £25bn of potential investment can create more than 30,000 jobs. It has already secured £47m from the Government’s Growth Deal and £87m from the European Funding Programme.

And it remains in talks with ministers about a devolution deal for Cumbria, which could be announced any day now.

Chairman George Beveridge said: “These appointments bolster the private-sector membership of our board and come at a crucial time for the LEP as we seek to secure devolved powers and maximise investment.

“Each brings highly valuable expertise and experience and they will all play an integral part in helping us to fulfill the economic priorities for the county.”

Mr Johnston was involved in the formation of Cumbria LEP and plays an active role in its work and on committees for European funding. Under his direction, Cumbria Business Growth Hub has been recognised as a national exemplar by the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills.

Mr Jackson is responsible for the deployment of superfast broadband, the rearrangement of Openreach’s network and infrastructure safety programmes.

Mr Robinson returned to his native Cumbria in 2010 to join Innovia at Wigton, having previously worked in procurement and supply chain management in London and Paris.

And Mr Peake joined Holker Group, near Grange-over-Sands, in 2007.

The appointments are for one year, with the option to go for re-selection for up to three years.

The new members replace Stephen Broughton of Lindeth Howe and Mountain Goat, Katie Milbourn of Walby Farm Park, Marna McMillin of Energy4All, and Graham Lamont of Lamont Pridmore, who have completed their terms of office.