Four new private sector professionals have been appointed to the board of the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership.

They are:

• Kim Slowe, managing director of sustainable housing building business ZeroC and a former Royal Navy frigate captain and helicopter pilot.

• John Sutcliffe, head of strategic development at Atlas Elektronik UK, which specialises in mission systems for UK armed forced and the global market.

• Sara Uzzell, director of Whitehall Hospitality and director of Bowlaway and member of the Chartered Institute of Management.

• Andrew Wickham, managing director of Go South Coast, one of the south's largest bus operators.

In addition, Nigel Evans, principal of Weymouth College has been appointed as Dorset LEP board’s further education representative, replacing Diane Grannell, principal and chief executive of Bournemouth and Poole College.

Gordon Page, chairman of Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership said, “We warmly welcome and look forward to working with our four new board members who bring with them a wealth of private sector business experience from a range of industries.

"Their knowledge of commerce will prove invaluable as we look to deliver on our ambitious plans to further strengthen and transform Dorset’s economy.

“We also welcome Nigel Evans who takes over from Diane Grannell as our further education representative.

"We recognise and thank Diane for the excellent contribution she has made to Dorset LEP, ensuring education and training are linked to the needs of Dorset’s growing economy.

“Finally, thanks must also go to Bruce Grant-Braham, motor sport research group director at Bournemouth University, as he steps down from Dorset LEP’s board.

"His focus and input to Dorset’s tourism, one of our key industry sectors has been tremendous.”

Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership is a business led private and public sector partnership that aims to promote local economic growth and prosperity The LEP provided the funding for the £22m Spur Road rebuild.