West of England LEP Christmas Review
The West of England LEP has formed a strong organisation, established a good reputation with Government and actually topped a league table judging LEPs for their effectiveness, the authority's Annual Conference was told.
The turn out in the Winter Gardens in Weston-super-Mare proved how much both the private and public sector are engaged. All four local authorities are behind us and around 700 businesses are involved.
The LEP is maintaining its original aims; to see the creation of 95,000 new jobs by 2030, to have achieved 3.4% annual growth by 2020, to have drawn in a billion pounds of private sector investment over the next three years and to produce a well-motivated workforce with the right skills.
The LEP story so far:
Secured the Enterprise Zone in Bristol and designated five Enterprise Areas in Bath, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
Gained approval for all five local major transport schemes and supported the case which brought mainline rail electrification.
Distributed more than £50m from the revolving infrastructure fund to kick start vital developments.
Supported SMEs with the business navigator.
Developed Higher Level Apprenticeships and introduced an employability Charter Mark.
Agreed the Bristol City Region Deal with Government.
Created a range of active sector groups.
The Challenges
Quite simply our task in 2013 is to deliver. We will do that using the four key planks of Place, Infrastructure, Skills, Marketing and Inward Investment.
Place means providing suitable premises for businesses to prosper and grow in the Enterprise Zone and Enterprise Areas which can handle 100,000 new jobs, offering simplified planning regulations and allowing us to retain growth in business rates which will provide essential funding. The Bristol Property Board will also bring forward surplus public land and property for redevelopment by the private sector to deliver economic and housing growth.
Transport will link together the places we are targeting for growth and see a radical change in public services, including high quality street cars on rapid transit routes, providing a fresh, new travelling experience.
Skills is about working with the Universities, Colleges of Further Education and our schools to produce people with the right qualifications and attitudes for business.
Marketing and Inward Investment will provide a single branded portal located in the Enterprise Zone, combining the muscle and know-how of the four Councils, UK Trade and Investment and local business. This will mean we can effectively promote the area and offer a professional account management for major enquiries.
