North East LEP appoints Katherine Forbes as Health and Life Sciences lead

The North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has appointed a highly-experienced Health and Life Sciences Lead to strengthen economic growth and innovation in the region through the North East health and life sciences sector.

Katherine, a graduate returner to the North East, whose career spans the private, public and higher education sectors, has over 20 years’ experience working across economic development, policy and partnership roles. She has a track record in developing and delivering ambitious projects and collaborations for the North East.

Katherine Forbes said: “I am excited to take on this role, and ambitious for the region’s health and life sciences sector.

“The North East region is recognised as having a strong and growing health and life sciences profile with assets of national and international quality in research and development, science, health care services and medicines manufacturing, and an SME base with expertise in health technologies, testing and clinical trials.

“Together, these assets represent a significant opportunity for growing our economy, improving services and delivering more and better jobs for the region.

“I hope I can help to build on the real buzz which exists across health and life sciences in the North East through new projects and great collaboration, which will further cement our reputation as a lead player in the life sciences sector.”

Katherine’s previous posts include Director of Yellow Brick Road Ltd and GX Innovation Manager at NewcastleGateshead Initiative.

Andrew Hodgson, Chair of the North East LEP, said: “The North East offers a unique environment for innovation in health and life sciences.

“We have an unrivalled combination of skills, physical assets, capabilities and networks, as well as an excellent quality of care and a focus on health innovation and partnership between the health system, science and business.

“Katherine brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role, as well as a passion for the health and life sciences sector, and the North East as a region. We are delighted to welcome her to the team.”

For more information, visit our Health and Life Sciences page.