Stakeholders lobby Coventry & Warks LEP on key issues

CREATING a successful Local Enterprise Partnership will be vital to the fortunes of Coventry and Warwickshire during the next few years, senior business figures have said.

The role of the LEP in setting the economic agenda for the area was outlined during the latest session of the Business and Stakeholders Council.

The council, which comprises a collection of local businesses, feeds ideas into the LEP and lobbies it on behalf of the area’s business community with the intention of influencing policy.

The second meeting of the council, held at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena, attracted more than 160 delegates from around the area. Martin Reeves, chief executive of Coventry City Council delivered the key note speech.

The meeting was organised by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, hosted by the Federation of Small Business and supported by the Institute of Directors.

It was updated on the actions of the LEP and the steps it has taken to promote the economic development agenda both locally and centrally.

Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “To have as many companies and organisations attend a meeting to find out what progress has been made, and to give valuable feedback, is very impressive.

“Business wants to see action and achievement from the LEP and there is no question that it has made serious strides in just a few months.”

She said it was now important the business community was kept informed of the LEPs progress and in turn, that its board was notified of issues and concerns prevalent in the area.

“It is key the local business community is kept informed of the progress and that it feeds back ideas, issues and concerns so the LEP has its finger very much on the pulse and can ensure its policies are relevant,” she added.

Bruce Undy, regional chairman of the FSB, said both stakeholder meetings had been well supported and it was important this continued to be the case.

“Small businesses are the backbone of the national economy and it is essential that the views of a wide range of companies are both sought and listened to by the LEP,” he said.

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