LEPs join forces to push regional growth agenda
THE Greater Birmingham & Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP) has entered agreements with two other West Midlands LEPs to work together to increase economic growth for the region.
At a protocol signing ceremony, chairs from the Stoke & Staffordshire LEP (SSLEP) and the Worcestershire LEP (WLEP) formalised their approach of working with the GBSLEP on a range of projects and initiatives for the mutual benefit of the wider region.
The LEPs have previously co-operated on a number of schemes, due to the fact that some issues overlap geographical areas – for example, transport infrastructure and strategic economic plans.
But the protocols formalise the process and demonstrate a commitment to this working together to maximise opportunities for businesses across the West Midlands, while minimising duplication of effort.
Andy Street, chairman of the GBSLEP, said: “In addition to the obvious geographical overlap, we share a number of common interests and aims with our close neighbours at SSLEP and WLEP.
“These include strengthening economic growth and job creation and it is clearly beneficial for us to formalise our working relationships with them on a range of projects and initiatives.
“Today’s signing of the protocol heralds a new era of cooperation on a range of shared priorities which will deliver increased value for us all, while also benefiting the unique regional requirements of each LEP.”
As part of the formalisation of the arrangement, the LEPs will be working closely to identify potential joint projects and opportunities and make recommendations on the approach and management of each initiative.
Peter Pawsey, executive chairman of the WLEP, said: “There has already been continuous and extensive collaboration between Worcestershire and Greater Birmingham & Solihull Local Enterprise Partnerships on schemes of joint interest.
“Successful joint initiatives to date have included major transport infrastructure improvements. For example, the aligning of the Growing Places Funding to support the Hoobrook Link Road in Kidderminster to alleviate traffic congestion and open up significant employment and housing land opportunities on the South Kidderminster Enterprise Park.”
David Frost, chairman of the SSLEP, said: “When we met with cities minister Greg Clark MP following the submission of our Growth Deal bid, he said our partnership had a clear vision and strategy, with the right focus on infrastructure and skills, and added that we should continue to build constructive relationships with neighbouring LEPs.
“We have worked hard to cement these relationships, culminating in the signing of this protocol, which will lead to increased investment and more jobs across our respective areas.”
