East Midlands Chamber has paid tribute to Mandip Rai, the former Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) chief executive who passed away over the weekend.
Mandip worked in economic policy, development and regeneration for Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, Leicestershire County Council and Leicester City Council before joining the LLEP in 2011.
He worked as head of LLEP, and head of strategy and engagement, before serving as chief executive from 2016 to 2022.
After playing a key role in the formation of the partnership, he took responsibility for engaging local and national stakeholders, developing enterprise zones and for delivering its strategic economic plan.
East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of Mandip’s passing and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.
“In a career spanning more than three decades working for local authorities and the LLEP, where he was latterly the chief executive, Mandip played an important role in shaping the Leicestershire economy.
“He was a good friend of the Chamber as we worked together closely on delivering projects such as the Business Gateway Growth Hub, and in lobbying local and central government to establish the East Midlands Freeport – which has huge potential to grow our region’s economy and create new jobs.
“Mandip was at the centre of forging important local partnerships between the public and private sectors, and the East Midlands will continue to see the fruition of his great work for a long time to come.”
Kevin Harris, the former LLEP chair, launched the LLEP’s Economic Growth Strategy alongside Mr Rai in December 2021.
Kevin, now chair of the Chamber’s board of directors, said: “Mandip dedicated his working life to helping the growth and development of our city and county.
“Leicester and Leicestershire have much to thank him for, especially in terms of the part he played in helping secure investment for major developments which will benefit not only this generation but many to come.
“It was a delight to work with Mandip in my time as chair of the LLEP and I am grateful for the support and help he provided to me and many others.”
