September has been a busy time for Local Enterprise Partnerships

Here are some of the highlights.

Northamptonshire LEP approved http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/detail.aspx?NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=421333&SubjectId=2


Evidence of the LEP role creeping?

TEES Valley Unlimited has become the first Local Enterprise Partnership to sign an investment pact with UK Trade and Investment http://www.nebusiness.co.uk/business-news/latest-business-news/2011/09/02/tvu-in-link-up-to-boost-teesside-investment-51140-29350600/#.TmDQ3cFsWi8.twitter all LEPs have been approached to sign this. It will be interesting to see if / how these pacts might differ.

LEPs should help with relaxation of planning restrictions and the fast-tracking of the planning process – should there be a planning role for LEPs? http://www.businessweekly.co.uk/economic-development-general-news/12654-mooney-turns-zone-ranger-to-fight-for-enterprise

LEPs to get role in transport? http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/at-a-glance/main-section/all_change_on_say_over_transport_schemes_1_3777302#.TnM2a1tkeus.twitter
Transport Minister (Philip Hammond) announced that LEPs will be part of the exploration of how major capital investment in transport can be devolved, ‘LEP Transport Consortia’.

Also via @CEOGlosFirst i read: Minister Greg Clarke: LEPs should 'do deals' with Govt for transfer of powers and; Minister Greg Clark: intention of Govt is to grow the economy through devolution to local structures.

LEP Activity

Leeds City region LEP summit was held on 9th September, over 700 delegates attended. We may see some future collaboration of the Northern LEPs. At this event Mark Prisk MP gave three practical examples to improve the business environment: planning, regulation & skills.

South East Midlands LEP appointed chair Dr Ann Limb: http://bit.ly/ocV2iP

Heart of the South West LEP / Plymouth CC seek explanation as to why Enterprise Zone bid rejected http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/open-dialogue/story-13280308-detail/story.html

New Anglia LEP had an event http://www.edp24.co.uk/business/national_lep_chairman_david_frost_meets_region_s_businesses_in_southwold_1_1021961#.TnMvAIkPjEY.twitter
 They have also been chosen by government to lead the way in the UK’s shift towards a low-carbon economy after the New Anglia LEP was chosen by the Government as the country’s “Green Pathfinder LEP” http://www.edp24.co.uk/business/new_anglia_to_lead_the_way_on_green_energy_1_1024221

Worcestershire LEP launched a new website http://worcestershirelep.org/


LEP Network



The LEP Network held their inaugural event on 15th September. Here is the link to the Communities & Local Government press release about this event http://ow.ly/6w2Pd

See my earlier blog for more information about the network http://lornagibbons.blogspot.com/2011/07/lep-network-interview-with-british.html

I have also written an article with Lee Pugalis about the LEP Network http://www.cles.org.uk/features/network-interference/#&panel1-1 you might be interested in this.

I understand the first LEP Network event was well attended and received positive feedback. The LEP network is not something LEPs have to participate in, it is not compulsory.

For what it is worth I personally think the LEP network has great potential. I do not think it was established in the most transparent of ways but this was out of the control of the British Chamber of Commerce.

LEP Boards

Dorset LEP Board Applications close on 23rd September http://www.dorsetforyou.com/localenterprisepartnership


As do the Humber LEP Board applications http://humberlep.org/board-recruitment/