YORK'S annual science and technology exhibition Venturefest is to be led by the newly departed chairman of one of Yorkshire's largest Local Enterprise Partnerships.

Having stepped down from his role at Sheffield City Region LEP, James Newman has been named as the new chairman of the Venturefest Yorkshire Advisory Group.

He joins amid major change for the Venturefest event having recently transferred from York Professionals, which has organised it for the past 11 years, to part of Make it York's event schedule, resulting in the usual March programme being held in November for 2016.

Mr Newman was the first chairman of the Sheffield LEP from 2010 to 2015, and boasts a business career spanning almost 40 years, including senior executive roles in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, services and utilities and a number of high profile chairmanship and non-executive roles in a number of plcs. He is currently chairman of Finance Yorkshire and Fishing Republic Plc.

Commenting on the appointment, Steve Brown, managing director of Make It York, said: "We are delighted to have someone of James’s calibre leading the Venturefest Advisory Group.

"He is incredibly well connected across Yorkshire and we will be looking to make the most of his contacts and vast experience. We have someone of real gravitas to help us make Venturefest as good as it can possibly be."

Mr Newman said: "This is a timely appointment for me after standing down after more than years leading the Sheffield City Region LEP.

"I have built up an excellent network of good business contacts and friends across Yorkshire. I plan to put my experience and contacts to good use to make Venturefest a big success so that it benefits the many entrepreneurs and their small and innovative companies across Yorkshire.

"I very much look forward to working with the new team to put on an excellent event."

Venturefest Yorkshire will take place on November 16 at York Racecourse. Created twelve years ago, the aim of Venturefest is to provide finance, support and inspiration for entrepreneurs and innovators in science, technology and high growth businesses.

Heather Niven, head of Science City York, which is now part of Make it York, will be leading the operational team putting on Venturefest.

She said: "Venturefest in Yorkshire has a great track record and reputation but we have been charged with giving it a new lease of life and ensuring that it is an event that involves the whole of the Yorkshire region.

"The appointment of James Newman to head up our Advisory Group is a great boost and will certainly help with the challenge of engaging with all parts of the county."