Economic development boss for South Kesteven leaves after shake-up

Steve Bowyer, who joined the South Kesteven District Council controlled agency two years ago, has departed following a decision by the InvestSK board to streamline the senior team and cut costs.

Mr Bowyer joined the Grantham-based InvestSK after 12 years at economic development company Opportunity Peterborough, with four years as chief executive.

The restructuring will see a reduction in senior roles and closer ties with the local authority h responsibility for the organisation taken on by council’s Strategic Director for Growth, Paul Thomas, who will be managing director of InvestSK.

Mr Bowyer said: “I have really enjoyed leading InvestSK over the past two years and am immensely proud of what has been achieved.

“I know that the last few months have been particularly challenging for the national and local economies and now is the right time to refocus, and renew, our efforts to ensure that the local support for businesses of South Kesteven is available.

“The team’s response to the challenges of Covid-19 has been absolutely fantastic and it is clear to me that the close working relationship that we have developed with the Council needs to continue.

“The restructure and realignment of the InvestSK management team will achieve some important savings for the Council, as the sole owner of InvestSK, but more importantly it will create a more streamlined structure that can report, and respond, to the needs of South Kesteven’s businesses and the future challenges that the Council face.”

During his time in charge, Mr Bowyer has overseen the InvestSK team and developed the business engagement element to include:two Business Summits, South Kesteven’s first Skills Summit, a programme of business breakfasts and seminars and a number of key projects.

Chairman of InvestSK, Councillor Kelham Cooke, who is also leader of the council, said: “Steve has brought so much to the role and we are grateful for all his help and support over the last few years.

“Streamlining the management structure of the team hasn’t been an easy decision for the board, but we are confident that with our renewed focus on business support and working with partners to continue to attract investment, bring forward much needed growth and safeguard jobs, the economy in South Kesteven will continue to thrive.

“It is clear that InvestSK is at its strongest when it is working hand-in-glove with the Council and we are confident that our new management structure will help businesses to get the support and advice that they need through InvestSK, through the Council and through the multitude of agencies that we work with.

“Steve has been a dedicated and hardworking individual who we wish well for the future.”