PEXA has announced the appointment of Sir Roger Marsh OBE DL as an ambassador and adviser to the board for its UK business. This move aims to strengthen PEXA’s business relationships in Yorkshire and enhance the region’s tech hub’s influence across the UK.
Sir Roger Marsh’s leadership and regional transformation
As chair of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) between 2013 and 2022, Sir Roger Marsh has been instrumental in transforming the area. He has played a role in driving the government’s vision for the development and levelling up of the north, acting as chair of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund Strategic Oversight Board, among other subcommittees to raise funding for the region. Sir Roger was also the chair for the NP11, which brings together the 11 northern LEPs, until 2023.
PEXA’s commitment to Yorkshire
PEXA, headquartered in Leeds, has firmly rooted itself in Yorkshire by making significant investments in the region, including acquiring the remortgage conveyancer Optima Legal. The company actively participates in initiatives such as the Leeds Digital Festival, LegalTech in Leeds, Fintech North, and UKREiiF.
PEXA is now seeking to deepen its ties to the local business ecosystem and expand the Yorkshire tech hub’s national presence. With nearly 40 years of experience and a solid understanding of the regional business environment and its broader economic impact on the UK, Sir Roger is uniquely positioned to help PEXA achieve these goals.
A growing hub for financial services and FinTech
Yorkshire already hosts major financial services and fintech businesses, with institutions like the FCA selecting it as its regional hub and the Bank of England planning to increase its presence with 500 staff set to be based there by 2027.
Leeds-based PEXA has invested $150m to date in its mission to transform digitisation in the UK’s housing sector.PEXA commits to further investment and leverages Sir Roger’s expertise to showcase its technological innovations, benefiting both the local and wider economy.
Sir Roger Marsh on Yorkshire’s innovation
Sir Roger Marsh OBE DL, ambassador and adviser to PEXA, comments: “Yorkshire – and the north more broadly – is a hotbed of innovation. It’s a vibrant ecosystem boasting major institutions and attracting start-ups and scale-ups that use Leeds as a launch pad for their innovations.
The region benefits significantly from international investment from key players like PEXA, which not only brings proven technology to the market but also invests in the broader growth of the tech ecosystem. I’m looking forward to working with PEXA to support its vision for the region, deepen its presence, and help bring its benefits to the market.”
PEXA leadership on regional growth
Glenn King, PEXA Group managing director and CEO, adds: “The north of England is home to some of the most exciting and innovative companies in the country, and Leeds’ business community is going from strength to strength.
As an international property tech company, it has been a natural fit for our UK head office. It’s a pleasure to welcome Sir Roger, given his significant leadership experience and business expertise, and his passion for driving growth in the region through collaboration.”
Joe Pepper, UK CEO of PEXA, adds: “Leeds has a really strong tech ecosystem that we are already embedding ourselves in, and we have had a tremendous level of support since we decided to base ourselves there. Now we’re determined to do more to help give these businesses a greater voice at the national level.
Yorkshire is a thriving tech hub, and the UK economy as a whole could benefit if we work together to drive growth and further investment. With an extensive network and unrivalled experience, Sir Roger is the perfect person to help on this journey. We’re honoured he is coming on board.”
Image: PEXA.
