Pennine regeneration guru earns Queen’s Award

Steve Hoyle will attend the formal presentation of the award in London in the autumn followed by a reception hosted by the Queen.

Steve is well known in the economic development arena in the North West, and has made his career in local and regional government focusing on economic development and regeneration.

He said: “I was stunned but delighted to receive the award.

“While the award itself is a personal recognition, in reality it is a reflection of all the dedicated and professional colleagues I have worked over the years who have helped to drive forward the enterprise agenda.

“All I have ever wanted to do is to make a positive difference to the prosperity and life chances of the people who live in this area and I hope that some of this work will have a lasting effect.”

Steve managed Pennine Lancashire’s successful Local Enterprise Growth Initiative bid which saw £30m. devoted, over four years, to encouraging enterprise in the most deprived communities in the area.

The initiative launched more than 1,500 new businesses, 372 of which were in Burnley, and supported the development of the Enterprise Haven at Turf Moor.

Currently leading Regenerate Pennine Lancashire, Steve has re-structured the company and already attracted £3m. of European funding to provide start-up and innovation support for businesses until December 2013, and spearheaded the successful £7.5m. bid for Regional Growth funding for Lancashire businesses.

Dennis Mendoros, chief executive of aerospace firm Euravia and chairman of Regenerate, added: “Steve is well respected across the business community in Pennine Lancashire as someone who can bridge the gap between the public and private sector, offering valuable knowledge and skills to help business to grow.

“I am confident that even in these uncertain times, under Steve’s stewardship, businesses will continue to receive the support they need to start, innovate and grow; to deliver a lasting change to the enterprise culture here.”