Tell us about your job, and what your current focus is.

As Executive Assistant to Tim Pile, Chair of GBSLEP, my role is to provide meticulous, responsive and proactive support to ensure that the best use of Tim’s time is maintained at all times.

I am responsible for Tim’s diary management, arranging meetings and appointments with people ranging from ministers to company chief executives and regional partners. I have to consider logistics, travel arrangements, hospitality and updating everyone concerned.

As part of this, I coordinate briefings and work closely with GBSLEP’s Executive Team, advising them of key points that need to be captured and ensuring that background material is readily available ahead of upcoming meetings or events. I also manage correspondence for Tim.

It is nearly Tim’s one year anniversary as Chair of GBSLEP, and I have managed to form a great working relationship with him. Tim is accessible and very supportive, and it’s a pleasure supporting him!

In addition to this I support Paul Edwards, Head of Strategy. I hold Paul’s diary and generally try and keep him busy so that boredom doesn’t creep in – that would be disastrous! Paul is also my direct line manager, and I have to say that he has the patience of a saint!

What are you most proud of achieving at the LEP?

I am most proud of what GBSLEP has achieved collectively. We are blessed to have each other and the different skills we have to offer – our knowledge, expertise and culture of openness – as well as the strengths of our board directors, leadership and management.

All of this gives us the passion, energy and ability to deliver our ambitions and make a difference to the region and lives of the residents.

What upcoming event or project in the region are you most looking forward to?

I was really looking forward to attending our Annual Conference that took place on 26th September. It was my first experience of attending such a conference, and to feel the energy and excitement around me was amazing! All the planning, preparation and attention to detail by the Executive Team made the conference what it was!

What made you want to move to the region, or what made you stay?

I’m not actually a Brummie as I have always lived in Sandwell, but I felt that Birmingham had so much more to offer professionally and that’s why I decided to offer my services to this region. Birmingham is growing at such a fast pace, particularly with all the developments happening around us – it’s the place to be!

What would be your “specialist subject” on Mastermind?

Hmmm let me think…….still thinking……. let’s move on!

If you were stuck in a lift with someone, who would you want them to be?

I really admire Oprah Winfrey and would really enjoy being stuck in a lift with her and have deep meaningful conversations – uninterrupted. She is a legend and has touched so many people, in so many different ways. She has had a troubled upbringing, but her journey through life clearly shows that anything and everything is achievable.

Describe life at the LEP in one word:

I’m going to break the rules because I’m rubbish at giving one word answers, so here goes….

I am honoured and excited to work for such a great team. What we have as a team is something very special and I have always felt this, right from my first week with GBSLEP. It’s great that, as the team has grown, we have managed to retain the culture that Katie Trout has worked very hard to create. This isn’t to say that we don’t have our challenges, but our strong work ethic, commitment and dedication always helps the team to pull through together, and not lose focus. I am truly proud to be associated with GBSLEP!