The Greater Lincolnshire LEP has welcomed a brand new appointment to their Board of Directors and their Visitor Economy Board, strengthening their influence and direction within the sector in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Jo Hardy, Business Operations Manager at Hardy’s Farm Ltd, was appointed in July and strengthens representation on the LEP’s boards from the Lincolnshire East Coast.
Since relocating to Lincolnshire in 2009, Jo has joined her husband in running their family-owned business which operates in the farming and tourism industries in Ingoldmells.
Jo has a strong portfolio of career experience within sectors such as government and finance and holds a master’s degree in Organisation Studies. She also has a keen interest in sustainability and tourism, especially within coastal communities.
Initially beginning her career within the Home Office, Jo ran assessment centres for the policing division, before switching to the private sector to gain further experience within HR, and later specialising in compensation and benefits.
This led to her appointment within the Trading Division of BP Oil as a Remuneration Analyst, and later a move to consultancy firm McLagan (Aon) as a Senior Financial Analyst, responsible for clients such as Goldman Sachs, Barclays Capital, and HSBC.
Commenting on her appointment to both boards, Jo said: “I'm delighted to be part of such an ambitious group of people who will help lay solid foundations and strategies for our county’s progression.
“I hope to be able to shine a light on our visitor economy and tourism sectors, both of which have truly shown their pertinence as local economies continue to bounce back from the pandemic.”
She added: “I wholeheartedly understand how important it is for businesses in the visitor economy sector to find their feet again in the wake of Covid-19 restrictions. At Hardy’s Farm, we are in the throes of our busiest time of the year and are very glad to be back open welcoming both holiday makers and local residents.
“I am looking forward to seeing what the rest of the summer holiday season brings for our tourism sector and would advise those looking for a summer stay-cation to look no further than Lincolnshire!”
Pat Doody, Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, has welcomed Jo, saying: “It is great to have Jo on board with the LEP; as a business owner, Jo can really resonate with other local companies as they continue to work through a wide spectrum of factors that influence Lincolnshire’s visitor economy on a day-to-day basis.
“Both boards are looking forward to Jo’s enthusiasm and positive contributions to the visitor economy sector in particular, as the industry continues to thrive from the Humber to the Wash.”
