Business, Innovation and Skills Committee - publications LEP and RGF

Commons Select Committee have published the evidence submitted on Local Enterprise Partnerships and Regional Growth Fund

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201213/cmselect/cmbis/writev/lep/contents.htm

It is an interesting read. I would like to draw your attention to the evidence submitted by Lee Pugalis, Gill Bentley, John Shutt and me:

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201213/cmselect/cmbis/writev/lep/m28.htm

APPG on Local Growth, Local Enterprise Partnerships and Enterprise Zones

I have been invited to give evidence on 10th July as part of the group's first inquiry into the effectiveness of Local Enterprise Partnerships and lessons learnt to date.

I have quite a lot to say about this but wondered if others have any suggestions? If there are any examples or issues please let me know. Feel free to email me directly or just add a comment.

Of course you may already be submitting written evidence to mneky@westminster.gov.uk by 1st August.

I am particuarily interested in your thoughts on Enterprise Zones how they can be more effective / whether there is scope for further deregulation?

Everything you need to know about each LEP

There is so much information about LEPs it is hard to know if you are looking at the most recent information.  Here I aim to have collected the best sources for each LEP.

If you have anything to add/amend please let me know via twitter @lornagibbons or lorna_gibbons@hotmail.com

By way of introduction to LEPs I suggest you read this Commons Library Standard Note http://www.parliament.uk/briefing-papers/SN05651 and have a look at the DCLG business plan (s.3) on LEPs http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/corporate/pdf/2154390.pdf. The LEP Network website is very useful http://www.lepnetwork.org.uk/ I would recommend signing up to their newsletters.

Over the next couple of months I would suggest these areas would be of interest:

a) City Deals for example the Core Cities by July with more to follow soon after eg http://www.communities.gov.uk/statements/corporate/manchestercitydeal
b) Devolving local major transport schemes http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/dft-2012-04 - Government response expected in July
c) LEPs and EU funding 2014-2020 following a BIS Informal consultation on the future delivery of EU Structural Funds, Rural Development Fund and Maritime and Fisheries Fund in England from 2014 to 2020 - this may include LEPs... http://www.bis.gov.uk/policies/economic-development/european-structural-and-cohesion-funds 

I'm also involved in a National LEP Cross-Country Research Project. More information here: http://harrisresearch.co.uk/?p=607

Current best practice would suggest LEPs may want to look towards these areas:

a) planning charter
b) business / regulator charter
c) encouraging apprenticeships
d) encouraging entrepreneurship in young people
e) delegated to LEPs or groups of LEPs major transport funding
f) working with central government to deliver some EU priorities 2014-2020 (matched centrally)

g) improved access to finance

h) where appropriate how LEPs can best work with the Military

i) HMRC to offer a programme of support via LEPs http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/bst/

LEP Area and Contact info from BIS website	Background info and priorities
Greater Birmingham and Solihull (with East Staffordshire, Lichfield and Tamworth) Mark Barrow mark.barrow@birmingham.gov.uk 0121 303 4915	Website: http://centreofenterprise.com/  Twitter: @gbslep Chair  Andy Street (MD John Lewis) Board Minutes http://centreofenterprise.com/meeting-dates/ Mr Hollis (Deputy Chair) dismissed suggestions the LEP would not have enough cash to bring about major changes – pointing to the potential £700 million it believes it can raise through borrowing money on the back of the proposed enterprise zone in Birmingham city centre.  Under the Government's plans, enterprise zones will be encouraged to develop Tax Increment Financing Schemes, which allow councils to borrow against future business rates revenues. More info on enterprise zone http://centreofenterprise.com/what-we-are-doing/place/ Read More http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/other-uk-business/2011/06/16/greater-birmingham-lep-plans-inspired-by-german-successes-65233-28885797/#ixzz1RpRitd8u Working with Local Better Regulation Office (LBRO) to transform the way local regulation is delivered across the LEP area http://tiny.cc/9w1c4 and http://centreofenterprise.com/what-we-are-doing/busines/ Has a planning charter http://centreofenterprise.com/what-we-are-doing/place/ One of ten national 'pathfinders' with the aim of improving support for Mid-Sized Businesses (MSBs).
Black Country Sarah Middleton The Deckhouse Waterfront West Dudley Road Brierley Hill DY5 1LW Tel: 08458 15 15 15 Fax: 01384 471177	Website http://t.co/4cJet9klhttp://the-blackcountry.com/default.asp?PageID=322&n=Bc+Lep Twitter: @blackcountrylep Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=4360422&trk=group-name Board recognised: 28/1/2011, Chair: Stewart Towe CBE Chair's Blog http://the-blackcountry.com/default.asp?PageID=389&n=BCLEP+Towe+the+line Register for e-bulletins http://the-blackcountry.com/default.asp?PageID=347&n=E+Bulletins  Business Friendly Planning: http://the-blackcountry.com/default.asp?PageID=325&n=Business+Friendly+Planning+Review  I think this is also LEP related? Reinvestment Society
Buckinghamshire Thames Valley Ms Philippa Batting M. 01494 568950 philippa.batting@ngagesolutions.co.uk General contacts Sarah Fraser - sarah@buckstvlep.co.uk Heather Dean - heather@buckstvlep.co.uk	Website: http://www.buckstvlep.co.uk/about-btv-lep.php Twitter: @BVTLEP Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Buckinghamshire-Thames-Valley-Local-Enterprise-4438361?gid=4438361&mostPopular=&trk=tyah Chair: Alex Pratt Board Minutes: http://www.buckstvlep.co.uk/board-minutes.php
Cheshire and Warrington Cheshire and Warrington Mr Aidan Manley 01606 734181 aidan.manley@candwlep.co.uk	Website http://www.candwlep.co.uk Board recognised: 24/3/2011, Chair: Christine Gaskell there are14 other Board Members Business Plan was launched on 28th March 2012 http://www.candwlep.co.uk/dbimgs/3204FD_LEP%20Business%20Plan.pdf Priorities: A skilled and productive workforce Business Investment Infrastructure and connectivity Deregulation The Rural Economy Promoting Cheshire and Warrington Stakeholder Forums comprising a wide range of representatives from the private, public, voluntary and community sectors have been established to consider major policy initiatives. The LEP has recently launched The Apprenticeship Promise to promote the business benefits of employing apprenticeships and to assist employers with the process. http://www.candwlep.co.uk/current-activities/the-apprenticeship-promise
Coast to Capital Mr Ron Crank Ron.Crank@westsussex.gov.uk 01243 777170 website contact page http://www.coast2capital.org.uk/contact-us.html	Website: http://www.coast2capital.org.uk/ Twitter: @coast2capital Linkedin http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Coast-Capital-3837330?gid=3837330&trk=group-name Areas of focus: sites and premesis skills development business support planning and other local priorities transport broadband tackling climate change    For business growth the top priorities are international trade and entrepreneurship
Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Mel Richardson 01872 224733 mrichardson@cornwall.gov.uk info@cornwallandislesofscillylep.com	Website: http://www.cornwallandislesofscillylep.com/ twitter (unconfirmed):  @lepcornwall  Developing an Employment and Skills Board http://www.cornwallandislesofscillylep.com/employment-and-skills-board.html Have an enterprise zone around Newquay airport http://www.cornwallandislesofscillylep.com/projects/aerohub-enterprise-zone.html and http://newquaycornwallairport.com/aerohub Draft Strategy published after 16 road shows.  Consultation on the draft has now ended. http://www.cornwallandislesofscillylep.com/strategy.html Rumoured to be in conversations with central government about a 'city deal' for Cornwall.
Coventry and Warwickshire c/o Jaguar Land Rover 53G/0/1 Banbury Road Gaydon Warwick CV35 0RR Operations Director Paula Deas Telephone: 024 76 831061 Email: paula.deas@coventry.gov.uk LEP Support Executive Roger Dowthwaite Telephone: 07768 688567 Email: roger.dowthwaite@cwlep.com	Website: http://www.cwlep.com/Default.aspx Twitter: @CW_LEP LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Coventry-Warwickshire-LEP-Local-Enterprise-3721723?goback=%2Egmp_3721723 Power struggle was behind Coventry & Warwickshire LEP chairman's (Denys Shortt) resignation see article:  http://www.birminghampost.net/news/newsaggregator/2012/05/25/power-struggle-was-behind-coventry-warwickshire-lep-chairman-s-resignation-65233-31038938/ Interesting access to finance website http://www.financeaccess.co.uk/ Four key sectors are: Intelligent mobility Advanced engineering Low carbon vehicles Digital technology Friday 5th October 2012 for CWLEP annual conference
Cumbria Suzanne Caldwell 01228 534120info@cumbrialep.co.uk Or info@cumbrialep.co.uk	Website: http://www.cumbrialep.co.uk/whatwedo.php Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=3724861&mostPopular=&trk=tyah These expert groups are being established to support the LEP Board: Sector Groups: Nuclear and diversification Specialist manufacturing Low carbon and renewable energy Visitor economy Food and drink Agriculture, land and seabased Cross cutting: Access to finance Skills Planning and housing
Derby Derbyshire Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Matthew Wheatley, Co-ordinator D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership 07817749907 0115 9578757 Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber, 8 Experian Way, ng2 Business Park, Nottingham, NG2 1EP	Website: http://www.d2n2lep.org/Userfiles/Item%205.2(c)%20-%20D2N2%20Strategic%20Priorities%20and%20Areas%20of%20Economic%20Focus.pdf%20 http://www.d2n2lep.org/ Twitter: @D2N2LEP Chairman Colin Walton Telephone: 0115 8764340 Finance RGF £1.6m Molecular Profiles, Nottingham Large complex LEP overlapping market areas Bassetlaw, Bolsover, Chesterfield, NE Derbys also in Sheffield LEP Strategic Priorities supporting enterprise: Business Skills Innovation Finance Infrastructure Areas of economic focus: Transport Equipment Manufacturing Medical/Bio-Science Food & Drink Manufacturing Construction Visitor Economy More info here
Dorset David Walsh 01305 224254 d.walsh@dorsetcc.gov.uk Adrian Trevett 01202 633032a.trevett@poole.gov.uk	Website: http://www.dorsetlep.co.uk/ Twitter: @DorsetLEP Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Dorset-Local-Enterprise-Partnership-4165194?trk=myg_ugrp_ovr Projects will be under the four themes of: Connected Talented Responsive Competitive
Enterprise M3 Kate Swaby 01962 846755 info@enterprise3.org.uk To contact the board: Diane Hayward, Strategic and Economic Development Manager at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.  Email diane.hayward@basingstoke.gov.uk or call 01256 845384	Website: http://www.em3supportforbusiness.org.uk/http://www.enterprisem3.org.uk/ Twitter @enterprisem3 Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=3869225&trk=group-name Geoff French, Chair (14 Board Members including voluntary sector and Armed Forces) There is also an implementation group. 8 further Districts in Surrey LIP area, with some in the Coast to Capital LEP East Hants, Test Valley, Winchester also in Solent LEP Covers 2 HCA operational areas Enterprise M3 has six action groups which act as the delivery element of the partnership: Finance, innovation and business support Land and property Infrastructure Inward Investment, Leisure, Tourism & Place Shaping Rural Economy & Broadband Skills and Employability Business support website:
Gloucestershire David OwenDavid.owen@glosfirst.co.uk 01452 328300 Or lep@glosfirst.co.uk	Website: http://www.gloslep.co.uk/ Twitter: @gloslep and @gfirstuk and @gfirstceo Linked in: http://www.linkedin.com/groups?home=&gid=3006256&trk=anet_ug_hm Nine Sector Groups have been created for Creative Industries, Business and Professional Services, Construction, Engineering and Manufacturing, Environmental Technology, Logistics, Tourism, Retail and ICT. The LEP also has a Banking Group, with representatives from all of Gloucestershire's banks. Is the retail pathfinder for Government. Board meeting notes and actions http://www.gloslep.co.uk/lep-structure-and-board/actions-points-notes
Greater Cambridge and Greater Peterborough info@yourlocalenterprisepartnership.co.uk	Twitter: @YourLEP Website: http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=3679740&trk=myg_ugrp_ovrhttp://www.yourlocalenterprisepartnership.co.uk/ Linkedin: Interim Chair: Mark Reeve Strategic areas of focus: Skills and employment Strategic economic vision, infrastructure, housing and planning Economic development and support for high growth business Funding, including EU funding, regional growth funding and private sector funding The Norfolk and Suffolk LAs are also in New Anglia LEP. Uttlesford also in Essex Kent E Sussex LEP Covers 2 HCA operational areas
Greater Lincoln Ruth Carver 01522 550515 ruth.carver@lincolnshire.gov.uk	Twitter: @greaterlincslep Website: http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/GLLEP Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=4162950&mostPopular=&trk=tyah Priority sectors of manufacturing, agri-food, the visitor economy, renewables, port and logistics and care
Greater Manchester Karen Tierney 0161 234 3278 k.tierney@agma.gov.uk	Chairman, Mike Blackburn board recognised 4th May 2011 Twitter: @GMLEP Website: http://www.agma.gov.uk/local-enterprise-partnership/index.html use the calendar on the right hand side to access board meeting papers EZ – Airport City - http://www.manchesterairportez.co.uk/ Significant history of working together and strategic approach e.g. Manchester Independent Economic Review (MIER) 2009
Heart of the South West Liz Waugh M. 07966 388921 liz@coastmarcoms.co.uk Jeremy Filmer-Bennett M. 07901 597302 filmer.bennett@btinternet.com	Website: http://www.heartofswlep.co.uk/ (currently working on a new website) Twitter: @heartofSWLEP June 2012 newsletter: http://us4.campaign-archive2.com/?u=4e59660292bd6b4a5c7d7b8a7&id=ed706984ef RGF £1.2 South Devon College energy centre RGF £1m Plymouth University (with Western Daily News?)
Hertfordshire Jo Morris 01707 358744 hertfordshire.LEP@hertscc.gov.uk	Website: http://www.hertfordshirelep.co.uk/ Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Hertfordshire-LEP-3821996?gid=3821996&trk=group-name Chair John Gourd North Herts also in Gter Cambs etc LEP
Humber LEP Richard Kendall Contact details: info@humberlep.org or r.kendall@humberlep.org. 01482 485260	Website: http://www.humberlep.org/ Twitter: @HumberLEP Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Humber-Local-Enterprise-Partnership-LEP-4099018?gid=4099018&trk=group-name Priority focus: ports and logistics, renewable energy, chemicals. Chair is Lord Haskins of Skidby, vice chair David Ross. Permanent Board was appointed in December after an open recruitment process. East Riding also in York, N Yorks LEP NE Lincs also in Greater Lincs LEP
South East LEP Mr Simon Neilson 01245 437025 lep@essex.gov.uk	Website: http://southeastlep.com/ Twitter: @southeastlep Four Main enabling activities: http://southeastlep.com/about/objectives Strategic Transport Infrastructure Universal Super Fast Broadband Skills New Financial Instruments latest update: http://www.southeastlep.com/images/SELEP%20Weekly%20briefing%20-%20Issue%2054%20-%201st%20June%202012.pdf A big mixed LEP, but now one HCA operational area
Lancashire Mr Martin Kelly 01772 536197 Martin.Kelly@lancashire.gov.uk Or c/o Ian Fisher, Company Secretary County Hall Preston Lancashire PR1 8XJ Telephone: 01772 535655	Twitter (unconfirmed): @lancashireLEP Website: http://www.lancashirelep.co.uk/ The Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Enterprise Zone covers the two BAE Systems sites at Samlesbury and Warton
Leeds City Region Mr Robert Norreys 0113 2474227 lcr@leedscityregion.gov.uk	Website: http://www.leedscityregion.gov.uk/LEP.htm LinkedIn: Leeds City Region LEP Twitter: @LeedsCityRegion LEP will focus on Unlocking the growth potential of business and enterprise and enabling a flexible skilled workforce Useful FAQ http://www.leedscityregion.gov.uk/uploadedFiles/About_Us/Local_Enterprise_Partnership_(LEP)/LEP%20FAQs%20Feb%202011.pdf The four Yorkshire LEPs are likely to work together on some areas http://www.sheffieldcityregion.org.uk/2012/06/lep-chairman-vow-greater-collaboration/?utm_medium=twitter RGF £2m David Brown Gear Systems, Huddersfield RGF £ Haribo Dunhills, Pontefract RGF £18m Doncaster road RGF £8.1m Wakefield HMR RGF £ Deafinitions, Bradford
Leicester and Leicestershire Contact is Sally Kowal sally.kowal@leics.gov.uk	Website: http://www.llep.org.uk/ LinkedIn page 'LLEP' Twitter - @LLEPnews Also working with Local Better Regulation Office (LBRO) to transform the way local regulation is delivered across the LEP area http://tiny.cc/9w1c4 Mandip Rai has also recently been appointed as Head of the LLEP and the Chairman is Andrew Bacon (Director at British Gas) link for updates: http://www.llep.org.uk/front/subscriber-form/subscriber-form/214260
Liverpool City Region 12 Princes Parade Liverpool L3 1BG Telephone: +44 (0) 151 227 2727 Email: info@liverpoolLEP.org Sheena Ramsey 0151 443 3772 sheena.ramsey@knowsley.gov.uk	Website: Low Carbon Economy http://www.liverpoollep.org/ Twitter: @TMPMOST Has a membership scheme. Priority sectors: Knowledge Economy Visitor Economy SuperPort Finance RGF £5m Pilkington, St Helens RGF £? Ames Goldsmith, Knowsley based RGF £1m? Liverpool Echo RGF £9m Stobart/Prologis, Widnes Liverpool will also have an elected mayor.
LondonJamie Izzard jamie.izzard@london.gov.uk  020 7983 4420	Website: http://www.london.gov.uk/business-economy/working-partnership/lep Twitter: @LondonLEP Note this is an enterprise panel not an enterprise partnership The purpose of the London Enterprise Panel is to advise the Mayor of London on action to:  Provide strategic investment to support private sector growth and employment; Promote enterprise and innovation and the acquisition of skills for sustained employment in London; Protect and enhance London's competitiveness Papers May 2012: http://www.london.gov.uk/moderngov/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=245&MId=4491&Ver=4 Croydon also in Coast to Capital LEP
The Marches Shropshire and Herefordshire Jacqui Casey jacqui.casey@shropshire.gov.uk 01743 252525	Website: http://www.marcheslep.org.uk Twitter: @marcheslep Alternative contact Email : enquiries@marcheslep.org.uk Recently launched redundant building grant scheme http://www.marcheslep.org.uk/index.php/marcheslepnews/111-15-million-redundant-building-grant-scheme-open-for-business
New Anglia  Mr Chris Starkie 01603 224483 chris.starkie@shapingnorfolksfuture.org	Website: http://www.newanglia.co.uk/ Twitter: @NewAngliaLEP LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/groups/New-Anglia-LEP-3764553?mostPopular=&gid=3764553 Priorities are: tourism, energy, business support and the green economy Launched a website to help entrepreneurs and small businesses http://www.bizinfoportal.co.uk/ Green Economy Pathfinder http://www.eadt.co.uk/business/suffolk_new_anglia_lep_to_unveil_green_economy_pathfinder_manifesto_1_1404051 Some LAs also in Greater Cambs LEP
Northamptonshire Sajeeda Rose 01604 609 548 Sajeeda.Rose@northamptonshireep.co.uk +44 (0)1604 609 393	Website: http://www.northamptonshireep.co.uk/ Twitter: @_northantsEP Sign up for newsletter here: http://www.northamptonshireep.co.uk/keep-date
North Eastern Mr Peter O'Brien 0191 548 5860 peter@tyneandwearcityregion.co.uk	Board recruitment process completed http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/business/9120647.Kromek_boss_joins_North_East_LEP_board/ Chair Paul Walker Finance RGF £ Durham County Cricket Club RGF £ Cumbrian Holdings, (Seaham) RGF £1.79 Chirton Engineering for several cos, North Shields RGF £ Turbo Power Systems, Gateshead RGF £ DUCO, Walker, Newcastle RGF £ Bridon International, Wallsend RGF £ Connor Solutions, Tyne & Wear RGF £ Proctor & Gamble Technical Centres, Newcastle? RGF £ Nissan x3, Sunderland Aims to deliver against these four strategic priorities: Supporting Enterprise and Private Sector Business Growth Building on Key Economic Strengths Improving Skills and Performance Strengthening Transport, Connectivity and Infrastructure More information here http://www.northumberland.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=9452 I don't seem to be able to find a dedicated website or much info from 2012.
Oxford city regionEmail: lep@oxfordshire.gov.uk Tel: 01865 815866	Twitter: @OxfordshireLEP Website: Improving the skills of Oxfordshire's workforce and those about to enter it, to improve their employability http://www.oxfordshirelep.org.uk/cms/ Chair Mark Shooter Key Programmes Getting the county connected to fast broadband access and improve mobile phone coverage Maximising Oxfordshire's potential to Enabling infrastructure for growth and reducing barriers increase inward investment Providing the local link for business support Working with Berkshire LEP on Skills: Sandra Higgs reported on visit to Berkshire LEP with Adrian Lockwood. Berkshire LEP have carried out some research on employability skills with employers and 1400 young people. They have drawn up a priority list of employability skills which Adrian Lockwood recommended to be replicated and used by OSB. Adrian requested comments on the efficacy of an Oxfordshire young people's survey. Simon Duffy requested any survey be a simple ranking list – action: sub group (SD, RK, RF) to investigate and report back. Sandra Higgs outlined the tools and activities currently available and under development from Berkshire and the plan for a dissemination event. Actions: Alison Hopkins will circulate the visit report. Sandra to provide a paper on recommendations for working with Berkshire LEP.
Sheffield Sylvia.yates@sheffieldcityregion.org.uk	Website: http://www.sheffieldcityregion.org.uk/local-enterprise-partnership Twitter: @sheffcityregion Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=3256687&trk=group-name Chair James Newman. His blog http://www.sheffieldcityregion.org.uk/2012/06/friday-8-june-2012/ Barnsley also in Leeds City Region Bassetlaw, Bolsover, Chesterfield, NE Derbys also in Notts Derbys LEP Some Northern HMA LAs may go to NE Y & H in due course
Solent +44 (0) 2392 688 924 Info@solentlep.co.uk Solent LEP Office Floor 2, Core 2 Civic Offices Guildhall Square Portsmouth PO1 2AY	Website http://www.solentlep.org.uk/ Twitter: @solentlep Strategic Priorities: Enterprise Infrastructure priorities Inward investment Skills for growth Strategic sectors Enterprise zone website: http://www.solentez.co.uk/site/hca/home
South East Midlands info@semlep.com Tel 01234 436100 Cranfield Innovation Centre University Way Cranfield Bedfordshire MK43 0BT	Website http://www.southeastmidlands.org.uk/ Twitter: @southeastmidlan and @annlimb Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/groups/South-East-Midlands-Local-Enterprise-3719476?gid=3719476&mostPopular=&trk=tyah SEMLEP aims to attract new growth to the area remove barriers to growth deliver growth effectively and speedily grow ourselves in a sustainable and cost effective way Action plan: Plan for growth April 2012-March 2013 - Draft Cherwell also in Oxon LEP Covers 2 HCA operational areas
Stoke and Staffordshire Ms Jenny Greer 01785 277211 contactus@stokestaffslep.org.uk	Website: http://www.stokestaffslep.org.uk/ Inward investment website: http://www.makeitstokestaffs.co.uk/ Business helpline: 03001118002 Board minutes: http://www.stokestaffslep.org.uk/useful-documents/ Southern Staffs includes Lichfield and Tamworth also in Birmingham LEP Finance - RGF £1.6m to Prince's Regeneration Trust for creative industries in Middleport Pottery in Burslem - RGF £4m to Alstom in Stafford for research centre
Swindon and Wiltshire Steve Richards M. 07748 658230 c2r@sdrichards.demon.co.uk	Website: http://www.swlep.biz/
Tees Valley Linda Edworthy linda.edworthy@teesvalleyunlimited.gov.uk 01642 527092	Website: http://www.teesvalleyunlimited.gov.uk/ Twitter: @TVU_LEP Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Tees-Valley-Unlimited-Local-Enterprise-3298261?gid=3298261&mostPopular=&trk=tyah Five key objectives for the next four years: Develop infrastructure and place to enable economic development Support sector development and enterprise Develop the workforce within the Tees Valley Promote the Tees Valley economy Secure investment to meet our economic development needs Priority actions: http://www.teesvalleyunlimited.gov.uk/media/59648/our_priority_actions.pdf Finance RGF £15m Cleveland Potash RGF £1.65m SSI UK, (Corus) RGF £1.65m Nifco UK, (Stockton?) RGF £6.7m Lotte Chemical UK, Wilton RGF £1.2m A V Dawson, Tees port
Thames Valley BerkshireDeborah Wharton 07881 842861 deborah.wharton@thamesvalleyberkshire.co.uk 01628 796 020	Website: http://www.thamesvalleyberkshire.co.uk/ Twitter: @TVBLEP Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=3881035&mostPopular=&trk=tyah Event in House of Commons on 27th June - register via website Really useful FAQ section of website: http://www.thamesvalleyberkshire.co.uk/frequently-asked-questions/
West of England Mr Peter Jackson 01454 863400 peter.jackson@westofenglandlep.co.uk	Twitter: WofEnglandLEP Website: http://www.westofenglandlep.co.uk/ Business support website: http://www.businessnavigator.org.uk/
Worcestershire Gary Woodman 0845 1641 ext 2187 garyw@hwchamber.co.uk	http://www.worcestershirelep.org twitter @worcsLEP chair Peter Pawsey LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Worcestershire-LEP-Local-Enterprise-Partnership-3852431?mostPopular=&gid=3852431 Priorities are to:  • deliver the strategic employment sites and related infrastructure (services, highways access utilities etc) needed to secure sustainable economic growth and a low carbon economy. • ensure we have the right support for business start up, business growth, business retention – focussing on meeting the needs of our strategic businesses, 'high growth' SMEs and the social enterprise sector. • deliver the right infrastructure for business, including improved high speed broadband availability, improving access from the M5 to the Malvern Hills Science Park and QinetiQ, improving the by-pass leading to the Hereford and Bromyard roads to Herefordshire and creating better access for our strategic businesses and their supply chains in the north of the county to the motorway network through improvements to east-west links and the A449. • Invest in the skills of our workforce ensuring that provision is responsive to business needs, and relevant to future growth and business opportunities. Finance - RGF £17.5m Worcester Technology Park by Bosch Thermotechnology
York, North Yorkshire and East Riding James Farrar 0160 953 3598 james.farrar@northyorks.gov.uk	Website: www.businessinspiredgrowth.com Twitter: @bizinspiredgrow Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/groups/York-North-Yorkshire-E-Riding-4217871?home=&gid=4217871&trk=anet_ug_hm Chair: Barry Dodd OBE East Riding also in Hull and Humber LEP

Strong local partnerships will not benefit from an elected mayor

New city mayors will add little to local governance – and may prove a costly extravagance
As published in The Guardian on 30th January 2012  http://www.guardian.co.uk/local-government-network/2012/jan/30/local-economies-partnerships-elected-mayor?INTCMP=SRCH  I would suggest reading the comments on the article via the link for interesting debate.

Lorna Gibbons

Guardian Professional, Monday 30 January 2012 09.05 GMT Article history

Elected mayors for England's cities will not prove comparable to London's Boris Johnson. Photograph: Dave Thompson/PA

The profile of local enterprise partnerships (LEPs) is on the rise. Boards and chairs are in place; funding has been awarded; a new project to support rural business is open to the partnerships; Greater Manchester has approved a new investment vehicle to spend £75m on economic growth; Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly have even taken their priorities out on the road.



It seems that LEPs can provide the "larger than local" geography needed to drive growth within economic areas. Funding is available, and LEPs are being trusted to deliver.



So how will a directly elected mayor fit with the LEP system? The coalition agreement set out a commitment to create directly elected mayors in the 12 largest English cities outside London. Referendums will be held in these cities to let local people choose whether they want a mayor.



A consultation, asking what a mayor can do for these cities, has recently been completed. Greater Manchester does not want a mayor; it says its 25 year history of voluntary collaboration puts it in a good position to deliver its economic priorities building on its LEP, rather than "create a new form of governance".



Barbara Janke, leader of Bristol city council, suggested that a mayor for the city would add very little without new powers from government – and even if they were granted, their partner unitary authorites would not agree to those powers extending into their boundaries.



It is also unlikely that Leeds will want a mayor, given that the LEP is at city region level, and councils outside of the city are unlikely to give up their powers to its newly elected chief. In Liverpool, Lord Heseltine is trying to encourage city leaders to elect a high-profile mayor as a way of attracting investment. Surely a high-profile LEP chair could do the same job?



Where an LEP works well, an elected mayor would not add very much except another costly layer of governance. Coventry city council has already earmarked £130,000 for a mayoral referendum; similar taxpayer costs will also go towards a second vote – on who the elected mayor would be – and a further £120,000 is set aside for a potential mayor's salary. Meanwhile, an LEP board member is appointed after a open and transparent recruitment process, and remains unpaid.



How does this all fit into cities minister Greg Clark's recently launched city deal? The eight core cities and their surrounding LEPs are being offered a menu of transformative new powers that the government wants to explore as the basis of a series of bespoke deals. The idea is that the government will free these cities from Whitehall control, with the aim of stimulating growth.



As with any deal, there is a trade off. Here, cities will have to offer something in return for their new powers and investment. They must guarantee they can provide strong and accountable leadership, improve efficiency and outcomes and be innovative in their approach. This wish list sounds like it has come straight out of the consultation document "What can a mayor do for your city?", which stated that mayors have the potential to provide strong and accountable democratic local leadership.



So what about where we already have an elected mayor? Stoke did have one but has abandoned the post due to the cost, the size of the job and the concentration of power in the hands of a single individual. Leicester has an elected mayor – but it no longer has a chief executive.



What about the London mayoral model? It is easy to argue that the capital does still have regional government. Among other things, the mayor holds almost all of the executive power in the GLA. In fact, the London set up is so different you could argue that it doesn't actually need an LEP. London already has all of the powers other cities might expect from the city deal.



What is clear is that a vote for an elected mayor is not the same as a vote for Boris Johnson or Ken Livingstone in London. The exact powers available to elected mayors are not yet clear, but via the city deal LEPs will also be able to negotiate with Whitehall for control in a number of areas to give local communities more flexibility, access to new opportunities and help to stimulate growth across the country.



We need to ensure that power is delegated to the most appropriate level. The solution seems to be to give LEPs at least some of the powers that may go to a mayor, providing they can show appropriate scrutiny arrangements. This works with existing structures, at minimal cost, and includes local authority leaders (via the LEP Board) in decision processes that are led by the private sector.

Local Enterprise Partnerships have a bright future – don't write them off yet

My Article as published in The Guardian http://www.guardian.co.uk/local-government-network/2011/dec/01/local-enterprise-partnerships-bright-future

Although they've been unfairly criticised, LEPs have made a lot of progress in their first year and there's a lot to be excited about


Lorna Gibbons

Guardian Professional, Thursday 1 December 2011 08.45
Local Enterprise Partnerships have a bright future.
The first 24 local enterprise partnerships (LEPs) were established more than year ago. The Centre for Cities thinktank has produced a report on the progress of the partnerships to mark their first anniversary, claiming LEPs are underperforming and have made little headway since their creation. I take issue with this conclusion.



The study looks at a number of variables on which performance can be judged, from governance to communications. These measures are largely irrelevant to the success, or otherwise, of the LEPs to date.



When it comes to governance, LEPs come in different shapes and sizes. Some created a shadow board, some did not. Some had their boards recognised by government, while others did not – but that is not to say a board does not exist. Solent's LEP recruited its board through a fair and open process, but as there is still a vacancy for a woman in the team it has yet to be recognised centrally. Solent is not the only LEP in this position.



Each LEP will have indicated its own strategy and local priorities, outlined in its prospectus. Published information about each partnership's focus does exist and the partnerships are accountable to their own ambitions. Enterprise zones, however, were bid for through a competitive process. If an LEP did not win an accompanying enterprise zone, that does not mean the partnership has failed to achieve its objectives; it is more likely that, geographically and politically, the area is less suitable for such a policy.



It is true that there may be a two-tier LEP structure developing. There are LEPs that have enterprise zones, access to a regional growth fund and established partnership arrangements, which will give them an advantage over other LEP areas with less history, smaller budgets and fewer projects to lever in business support. But these LEPs will still be able to make a major impact.



Communications should also not be used to judge LEPs. Having a dedicated website does not equate with local success. The South East LEP, for example, does not have its own website, but it publishes timely information about its work through Essex county council's site (with weekly board updates) and is probably saving a lot of money in the process.



But looking to the future, there is a lot for LEPs to be excited about. The partnerships are currently spending their start-up fund drawing up business plans, recruiting and training boards, putting communications strategies in place and other first tasks. This should level the playing field by the end of March 2012, for all of the 38 LEPs now in action.



A second-round capacity pot will be announced shortly, with additional funding made available in April 2012. A number of LEPs, including Greater Manchester, Solent and Cornwall, also placed successful regional growth fund bids.



The £500m Growing Places Fund prospectus is now out. Funding has been allocated to LEPs on a formula basis and they are expected to receive their allocation in February next year. This funding will be ploughed into new infrastructure. It is also worth noting that Buckinghamshire's planned LEP has been allocated £4,167,713 (subject to ministerial approval) – a strong indicator that the 39th partnership is soon to be announced.



LEP sector groups are also being established, including a rural network and an aerospace group – some of which have already met. Meanwhile, the government intends to consult a new structure and devolve decisions and funding for local capital transport improvements from April 2015 to a number of "local transport consortia", each made up of a number of LEPs and their constituent councils.



LEPs will have a fuller and more varied role in future, and they have made a lot of progress over their first year.