Business leaders welcome Worcestershire LEP approval

BUSINESS leaders in Worcestershire have welcomed the Government’s approval of a new Local Enterprise Partnership for the county.

The county’s submission was approved by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills as part of a review of rejected first round bids. It has also granted approval for a similar LEP in the Black Country.

The consent brings to 27 the number of LEP submissions now approved by BIS.

Commenting on the decision, Mike Ashton, chief executive at Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are delighted that the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership has been approved. The chamber worked closely with other business organisations and with the wider business community and the overwhelming response was support for the Worcestershire LEP.

“This bid has been backed by the businesses of Worcestershire and will now work with our partners in the public sector to create a partnership, which will deliver economic growth for the county.”

Since the initial rejection in October, the various partners involved in the Worcestershire bid established a Shadow Board comprising delegates from Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, Institute of Directors, Federation of Small Businesses and Worcestershire Ambassadors. The partners worked together to create a business-led body in partnership with the public sector, which will now develop its plans for delivery against the ambitious proposal which was developed.

Francis Christie, chairman of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire IoD, said: “The revised proposal and the Shadow Board demonstrate how the private and public sector can pull together to create a better environment for enterprise to flourish.”

The Worcestershire LEP will now set up a board with 50/50 public/private sector representation. Its aim will be to deliver priority projects and develop proposals likely to attract funding and create jobs.

Ken Wigfield, of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “We are now confident we can move forward and deliver for the businesses in Worcestershire a number of projects which lead to greater wealth and jobs in the county. ‘

Wyre Forest District Council has also welcomed the move to create a LEP.

Council leader Cllr John Campion said “It is good to hear that the bid for a Worcestershire LEP has been successful. The bid was supported by local businesses and the council.

“The council believes the district’s future economic prosperity will be best served by an LEP serving the geographic county of Worcestershire. It is pleasing that Government Ministers have moved so quickly to clarify the position.
 
“Wyre Forest District Council looks forward to playing a full role in the partnership, working with businesses to ensure a strong economic future for the district and the county.”