Experts in construction and banking have been drafted into the Greater Birmingham & Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership to reflect the emerging priorities of its work.

As the organisation approaches its first year in existence, it has brought in Chris Webster, chief executive of Miller Construction and Patrick Hanlon from Handelsbanken.

The LEP said both roles will be key it continues to develop and progress.

Chris Webster, who is based in Solihull, joined Miller Construction as chief executive in June 2010 having previously been chief operating officer of Amey.

Mr Hanlon is the area manager of Handelsbanken, one of Sweden’s leading banks with more than 750 branches in 22 countries, including 29 in the Midlands. Before the current role of area manager, he ran the Birmingham city centre branch for eight years.

The duo join the board of the LEP, which was set up to drive economic growth, achieve global leadership in key sectors and help create 100,000 jobs by 2020, as replacements for Brian Francis, chairman of Kestamp Tallent Automotive, and Rob Brown, group managing director of Roger Bullivant.

Chair Andy Street said: “Banking and construction are two areas where we are going to require significant insight and expertise.

“Patrick will be invaluable in supporting the work of the LEP in this area not only for his understanding of the banking sector, but also providing financial expertise to the LEP at a time when we are accessing increasingly large sums of funding will be invaluable.

“Furthermore, construction and infrastructure have become increasingly important as funds like Growing Places have come on-stream. This is why having somebody with the experience and expertise of Chris Webster will be vital.”