LEP looks to capitalise on investment billions
IMPROVED business support is at the heart of a new York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Local Enterprise Partnersip plan to capitalise on £4bn of investment earmarked for the region.
All businesses across the largely rural area will be promised one-to-one support within a 30 minute drive as the LEP further develops initiatives such as its mentoring scheme linking experienced business people with those starting new enterprises.
The plan also inludes a commitment to create a portfolio of supply chain busineses that can secure the maximum benefit for the local economy from the investment in a new potash mine near Whitby by Sirius Minerals.
The development of Whitby Business Park, identifying future infrastructure needs and lobbying Government in areas such as rural broadband are also priorities.
The LEP has identified over £4bn of investment, including the new potash mine, already planned for the area and its plan seeks to ensure it has the maximum impact.
Chairman Barry Dodd said: “Our first year focused on doing practical things to help business. This has built up support amongst the local business community and allowed us to understand where the major growth opportunities are and what we can do to maximise the benefits locally.
“This theme of focusing on real investments and genuine opportunities flows throughout our plan. Our plans are ambitious and to deliver them we need to focus on where we can make a real difference. We will retain this focused approach and work with partners where we can add real value to our vibrant business community.”
The pledge to improve business support builds on the LEP’s earlier work to act as a hub matching up firms looking for help with organisations in the area providing help and advice.
Emma Smailes, Federation of Small Businesses North Yorkshire development manager, said: “One of the real strengths of this area, is the range and diversity of small businesses, we are pleased to be working in partnership with the LEP to ensure these businesses are supported and encouraged to grow.”
Sirius Minerals unveiled detailed plans for its proposed mining operation earlier this year with the company expected to seek planning permission before Christmas.
Chris Fraser, chief executive of Sirius Minerals, said: “We are pleased to be working with the LEP to develop the local supply chain wherever we can. As an organisation we are committed to supporting the local area and working together with the LEP will help deliver real benefits to local businesses and local communities.”
