IoD boss ‘disappointed’ as Chambers win £300,000 LEP contract

A ROW has broken out over plans for a network to represent local enterprise partnerships at a national level.

The Government has asked the British Chambers of Commerce to lead the network while its director-general, David Frost, will also chair the new organisation.

Miles Templeman, director-general of the Institute of Directors, said: “We are surprised and disappointed that the Government has appointed the British Chambers of Commerce to head this £300,000 quango with no consultation or discussion with other business groups.

“We question seriously the need to spend £300,000 of taxpayers’ money on a body whose purpose is to lobby national government on behalf of LEPs.

“No case has been made to us for this arrangement.”

Communities secretary Eric Pickles has said the BCC put forward a “very strong proposal” and said its national network meant it was well placed to “anchor business at the centre of new local enterprise.”

The chairman of the LEP for Birmingham and Solihull is expected to be announced within the next few days, following a six-week recruitment process.