Top-tier business leaders appointed to a new Business Board to accelerate economic growth and drive Local Growth Plan delivery

Top-tier business leaders appointed to a new Business Board to accelerate economic growth and drive Local Growth Plan delivery

Some of the most influential and respected business figures from across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough have been appointed to a new Business Board to support the region’s Local Growth Plan (LGP) ambition to triple the size of its economy by 2050. 

Shaun Grady, Chair of AstraZeneca UK, will chair the Business Board. 

The Board will bring together leaders from the region’s six priority sectors set out in the LGP: life sciences, digital technologies, advanced manufacturing and materials, defence, energy and clean-tech, and agri-food and tech. These sectors represent the foundations of the UK’s future economic strength and are Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s most powerful strategic assets. 

Members bring experience from working across the region, including all four of the LGP’s opportunity zones: Global City Cambridge, Fens Growth Triangle, North Hunts Growth Cluster, and Peterborough Fast Growth City. 

The appointments were approved by the Combined Authority Board this month following nominations by Mayor Paul Bristow. 

The Business Board will provide strategic advice on emerging trends, barriers and opportunities and support national and international engagement to attract investment to the region. 

Paul Bristow said: “I’m unapologetically ambitious for the future of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s economy. My goal of tripling its size by 2050 demands the insight and leadership of the very best business minds from across our region working with us to make it happen. 

“The creation of the new Business Board marks an important milestone for the Combined Authority.  It will bring together exceptional leaders from our priority sectors and opportunity zones. They represent both the breadth and strength of our economy across the whole region. 

“I am excited to be working with them to grasp the opportunities to accelerate our growth.” 

Shaun Grady, Chair of AstraZeneca UK, said: “I am proud and honoured to have been asked to chair the reformed Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Business Board, which will support the Mayor and the Authority to deliver on its ambitious Local Growth Plan.  

“The region is nationally and internationally recognised as a dynamic hub across several sectors, including life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and digital technologies. The Business Board has the opportunity to play a vital role in providing clear strategic advice through our combined experience and knowledge, enabling the region to unlock its true potential.  

“I greatly look forward to working with the other Board members and local partners to help execute the local plan, drive innovation, and create long-term, sustainable impact for our communities and economy.” 

The new Business Board replaces the previous Board established when Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) were merged into Combined Authorities. Although government withdrew dedicated LEP funding in 2025, it confirmed Combined Authorities should maintain ‘strong, independent, and diverse local business voices’ in decision-making. 

The new Board and its appointments will take effect from 1 April 2026. 

Joining chair Shaun Grady on the Business Board are: 

• Katy Davies, Managing Director, CapAir Systems 

• Chris Duggan, Managing Director, Stainless Metalcraft 

• Mike Greene, Entrepreneur and business mentor 

• Charlotte Horobin, CEO, Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce 

• Sam Hyde, CEO, The Technology Partnership (TTP) 

• Sai Shivareddy, Co-Founder and CEO, Nyobolt 

• John Shropshire, Chair, G’s Fresh Group 

• Roland Sinker, University of Cambridge (former CEO of Cambridge University Hospitals) 

• Mark Slack, Co-Founder and CMO, CMR Surgical 

• Jason Spires, European Director, Fresh Del Monte Produce 

• Simon Thomas, Co-Founder and CEO, Paragraf 

Following a Mayoral Decision Notice in May 2025, Business Board members do not receive remuneration.