Dear Eastern Powerhouse Members and supporters,
It is with a very heavy heart that I have made the difficult decision to move on from my role as Executive Director of the Eastern Powerhouse and will be taking a new role, which I will announce shortly. I have been proud to stand alongside you all in championing a better future for the East of England.
When I first took on this role, I spoke about the importance of a unified voice for our region. The Eastern Powerhouse was created for that sole purpose and to act as that catalyst, bringing together businesses, local authorities, universities, and industries to drive growth, investment, and opportunity. Under this ‘relatively’ new government, that mission remains more crucial than ever. Our region has long been overlooked, despite being one of the most productive in the country. We generate more in tax revenues than we receive in public funding, yet we are held back by chronic underinvestment in skills, infrastructure, and transport. This is why we have fought so hard to amplify our collective voice and demand the attention and action we deserve.
During my tenure, I have been constantly inspired by the passion and commitment of the businesses and people of the East, while an ‘Eastern’ identity is a relatively new concept it has been so clear that together, we have made the case for deeper devolution, stronger infrastructure, and a more ambitious vision for the East. We have called for real investment in skills, housing, transport, and digital connectivity because we know that unlocking our potential isn’t just about boosting the East, but strengthening the entire UK.
And yet, the biggest challenge remains. The fragmentation of our region’s many stakeholder organisations continues to pull in different directions. Too often, initiatives like the Eastern Powerhouse are seen as competitors rather than allies in a shared mission. I can only hope that our political and business leaders will see the bigger picture, that working together, rather than in silos, is the only way to deliver real change. We need our politicians to work across parties and do what is right for the region. We need generational planning, not just planning for the next political cycle. Devolution is a massive opportunity to bring decision-making closer to the people it affects, but it will only succeed if leaders are willing to put aside individual interests and work for the collective good.
I may be stepping away from my role, but I will remain a passionate supporter of everything the Eastern Powerhouse stands for! I leave with deep gratitude to all of you who have supported the EPH and with the firm belief that, despite the obstacles, the East can still rise. I would like to sincerely thank the EPH team (especially Mike and Mark), the Advisory Board and Chair, James Palmer, for their dedication, passion and positivity in the face of complex challenges, you have all been a real joy to work with!
I will now go back to being just a resident of the East, to which I wish the Eastern Powerhouse every success in the future. Keep pushing forward, keep raising the voice in Parliament, and never stop fighting for the region that we know has so much more to offer.
With my sincerest thanks and best wishes,
Steven Lynch MBE