Following on from CIM's launch of 50 North East Marketing Greats earlier in the year, they invite you to meet Jen Robson, Communications Manager at the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

The initiative aims to develop and retain marketing talent in the North East region.  Diane Earles, Network Manager for CIM, explains "Through the 'Marketing Greats' we want to provide insight into the importance of a strategic marketing function and to inspire both existing marketing professionals and young people considering a career in marketing.  Each 'Marketing Great' is profiled in an online case study which includes their words of wisdom for aspiring marketers alongside their career story and why they enjoy working in the region".  She continued, "Developing our original 'Great North East Brands' initiative, which ran for a number of years, 'Marketing Greats' provides a regional platform for marketing to be recognised as having a key role in business growth while celebrating the number of senior marketers located in the North East." 

Like Jen Robson, who joined the LEP in July 2015.  LEPs are a partnership between Local Authorities, businesses and the education sector.  The organisations work together to determine economic priorities, and to lead economic growth and job creation within the geographical patch they cover, so that there is coordinated strategic economic leadership for the region and to ensure delivery of the strategic economic plan.  This collaborative way of working is what attracted Jen to the role.  She said, "I believe in regional partnership working, I think it's sensible, cost effective and inclusive"  She continued, "The LEP is all about bringing people together to create regional prosperity and I could see lots of opportunities to develop their communications strategy, so it was right up my street".

The 50 'North East Marketing Greats' profiles can be found at www.cim.co.uk/NEmarketinggreats