Prisk praises Coventry LEP

COVENTRY and Warwickshire’s Local Enterprise Partnership was praised yesterday by business minister Mark Prisk on a visit to the region to drum up support for the new bodies.

Mr Prisk discussed the LEP’s progress in appointing its board and its strategic priorities for the region, and also met representatives from local SMEs.

Mr Prisk said: “The local enterprise partnerships I have met today have demonstrated some excellent ideas on how they intend to address local economical imbalances, stimulate local businesses and boost local growth.

“I’ve also had very useful discussions with local businesses about the barriers they are facing which are preventing them from flourishing and what Government is doing to improve market conditions.”

Mr Prisk also visited Warwick University for a meeting with with SMEs and Vice-President Antonio Tajani of the European Commission responsible for Industry and Entrepreneurship.

Mr Prisk said: “This Government is on the side of the business owner, whether that’s a small firm just getting off the ground, or a large established company. That is why we are setting enterprise free – with lower and simpler business taxes, so entrepreneurs are able to enjoy the rewards of their hard work, generate new jobs and contribute to thriving communities across Britain. And we are cutting through the unnecessary red tape and bureaucracy that weighs so heavily on companies, especially small firms.”