Dorset LEP appoints new Chair

We are delighted to announce Cecilia Bufton as the new Chair of the Dorset LEP board.

Cecilia brings a wealth of private sector experience to the Board having worked for a range of businesses including multinationals and SMEs. She has enjoyed a successful 30-year career, in senior roles with responsibility for the strategic direction and financial performance of businesses in the UK and globally.

Cecilia’s main focus has been in strategic business development in the health and care sectors, most recently involved in developing innovative, digital technology enabled products and services that help change the way healthcare is delivered.

With her expertise, and an MBA in international strategic marketing, Cecilia is well placed to drive forward Dorset LEP’s ambition to put Dorset on the map to secure investment from the government and the private sector.  

On her appointment, Cecilia shared: “I am delighted to be taking on the role of Chair at Dorset LEP. The impact of Dorset LEP’s investments, COVID-19 recovery initiatives, business engagement and careers education activities are being felt across the region and I look forward to representing businesses, using my expertise and experience to help drive forward this work.”

“I take on the role of Chair as we face some of the biggest challenges in business, in education and in our communities. Dorset LEP already has an excellent reputation for collaborative working and I accept the mantle with confidence that Dorset LEP and our partners really can make a difference for Dorset’s people, and as a place.”

“Having recently been awarded an additional £11.8m for local projects as part of the national Getting Building Fund, I look forward to seeing those progress and supporting Dorset LEP’s work across our key sectors, skills initiatives, investment campaigns and our strategic work with local partners and Government. I am keen to get started.”

Deputy Chair, Sara Uzzell, shared: "Cecilia joins Dorset LEP at an important time for our region's recovery. I am confident that her expertise will further enable Dorset LEP to make the most of future opportunities, drive productivity and attract investment into the area. On behalf of Dorset LEP and our stakeholders, I wish to thank former Chair of the Board, Jim Stewart, for his vision, leadership and commitment."