Business leaders call for pan-Humber LEP
FIFTY regional business heavyweights have written to Ministers to reject a bid by councils to split the Humber region when local enterprise partnerships are introduced to replace Yorkshire Forward.
The business figures have lined up alongside Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Small Businesses, the CBI, the EEF, Humber Chemical Focus and Team Humber Marine Alliance to ask Ministers to support a partnership covering all four local authority areas.
Dr Ian Kelly, chief executive of Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce, said: “Since I came back from my holidays a week ago I have been overwhelmed by phone calls and emails from senior business leaders, some in near despair, at the decision of the four local authority leaders to break up the Humber economic area without any discussion with business.”
Hull City Council has submitted a bid in partnership with East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Scarborough Borough Council without their North Lincolnshire counterparts on the south bank.
North Lincolnshire Council has submitted a bid that would comprise a Humber-wide partnership.
Andrew Palmer, regional Director of the CBI, said: “Businesses across Yorkshire know what the Humber has to offer and see the benefits of it working together to reach its potential.”
The letter has been sent to Business Secretary Vince Cable and Communities Secretary Eric Pickles.
Other LEP bids in Yorkshire have received little opposition.
Calls for a pan-Yorkshire body called the Yorkshire Enterprise Partnership have also been made.
What do you think of the above story? Please leave your comment below.
If you’re not getting our daily emails, your competitors will be. Click here to check your account settings.
