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Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership is on the hunt for a new deputy chair after incumbent Chris Loughran decided to step down this month following four and half years in the role.

The business support body is looking for a senior figure to plug the gap and lead on activities related to the LEP's capital projects.

The role will also include chairing its ‘Programme Delivery Board' and involve close collaboration with business and academic leaders, local authority leaders and neighbouring LEPs.

Mr Loughran is a well known figure in the Greater Birmingham business community who holds several non-executive posts and spent over two decades with financial services firm Deloitte, including nearly five as its Midlands senior partner.

LEP chairman Tim Pile said: "Chris has made a quite exceptional contribution to the GBSLEP and to the region.

"We are profoundly indebted to him for everything he has achieved on so many levels - for being a fantastic ambassador for the LEP, his leadership of our capital interventions that drive inclusive economic growth (and) relentless focus on delivery.

"This position presents a fantastic opportunity to play an active and influential role in our region's recovery, driving inclusive economic growth, creating jobs and improving the quality of life for all of our residents.

"Our region has been very successful over the past years, however there is still so much to be done to ensure we fully grasp every opportunity to recover stronger and greener."

Executive recruitment firm Berwick Partners has been appointed to lead the search.