SIR Roger Marsh has been praised for having made “a huge contribution to businesses and communities across West Yorkshire” after he formally stepped down as chairman of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership board.

He was knighted in 2021 for services to business, economy, and the community across North and in West Yorkshire.

He has been chairman of the LEP since 2013 and has led the organisation through a period of transformation, including securing the country’s largest ever Local Growth Deal with Government.

Sir Roger was also instrumental in agreeing the West Yorkshire devolution deal and in bringing Channel 4’s new National HQ and news centre to Leeds.

Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, said: “I want to thank Sir Roger for his tireless commitment to promoting and developing our region and for everything he has helped achieve, to make West Yorkshire a better place to live, work and be in business.”

Sir Roger added: “I feel proud and privileged to have chaired the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership Board. As a team, we have improved the performance of our region’s economy and given West Yorkshire a confidence to face the future.”

Mark Roberts has been appointed as the new interim chairman of the LEP board.