The chair of the pioneering public-private partnership Burnley Bondholders is to step down after eight years.

Mark Crabtree OBE, founder and managing director of Burnley-based AMS Neve, has helped to increase the Bondholders membership to more than 200.

The partnership is dedicated to spreading the word that Burnley is a great place to do business.

Some of the greatest achievements during the time of Mr Crabtree's leadership of the Bondholders includes being named the Most Enterprising Area in 2013, the second most successful town for digital jobs growth in 2016 and a Top 16 UK Tech Town in 2018.

Mr Crabtree said: “I feel now is the right time for me to step down and I look forward to welcoming my successor.

"Burnley Bondholders is highly regarded both within and outside our borough and over the years, I’ve often been asked by other councils how the partnership is so successful. The answer, quite simply, is the spirit of the people of Burnley.

“We see what needs doing and without fanfare, we roll up our sleeves and get things done.

"The town has an innovative, resilient and entrepreneurial approach and this will be needed now more than ever as we navigate the post-Covid-19 era.

“I will continue to work hard for the town of Burnley, both growing my own business AMS Neve and supporting the growth of Making it in Burnley and The Landmark, which are both going from strength to strength.

“Finally, I want to thank everyone I have worked with during my role as chairman of Burnley Bondholders and I am extremely proud of what we have achieved. I wish my successor all the best.”

AMS Neve makes world-class products that are highly regarded particularly in the music and film industries. The legendary Beatles producer, the late Sir George Martin once said “Neve consoles are the Rolls-Royce of the industry”.

Mick Cartledge, Burnley Council’s chief executive said: “Mark’s contribution to Burnley Bondholders cannot be underestimated.

"From day one, he has been passionate about driving our town forward and promoting it as a great place to live, work, study and explore.

“He leaves the Bondholders in a strong position and I have begun the process to find a successor with the same passion and commitment to Burnley.

"I know I speak for everyone when I say a huge thank you to Mark and we look forward to celebrating his achievements when the time is right and safe for the bondholders to come together.

“A new chair of Burnley Bondholders will be appointed shortly.”