Further to the news last month about a possible replacement for SEEDA, this in from the council. Ed
A business led proposal to establish a Solent LEP was been given the green light by Government yesterday.
The proposal for a Local Enterprise Partnership in the Solent area (Solent LEP) has been driven by the business community and is supported by four university partners, the further education sector, three unitary authorities, eight district councils and the voluntary and community sector, all of whom have been actively working together to secure a more prosperous and sustainable future for the Solent area.
With a population of over 1.3 million and some 50,000 businesses, the Solent area is a well recognised functional economic area anchored around the Isle of Wight, the two cities of Portsmouth and Southampton and the M27 corridor and Solent waterway.
Encouraging business growth
The vision is to create an environment that will better facilitate economic growth and private sector investment in the Solent area, allow businesses to grow, become more profitable, greener and enable new businesses to form and prosper. As a result there is a need to make the best use of the assets that the area already possesses (highly skilled people, world class businesses, outstanding further and higher education, the natural environment and high quality of life) and achieve sustainable economic growth.
The Solent LEP partners are determined to put business at the heart of economic growth in the Solent area, enabling this recognised globally competitive area to realise its full potential. The Solent LEP will be output driven, delivering real and substantial improvements in the co-ordination of private and public investment in key areas of sustainable economic development including skills, business support, regeneration, transport, housing and inward investment. It will focus on: rebalancing the local economy in favour of the private sector; reindustrialising the economic base, supporting the development of knowledge based industries and high value added manufacturing; and providing a catalyst for regeneration.
Business reaction to yesterday’s announcement
Port Director for Associated British Ports, Southampton
Doug Morrison said, “The Port is at the heart of the vitally important maritime sector and Associated British Ports, Southampton, welcome this initiative and fully support the enthusiasm for a business-led LEP that is focused on putting the business community at the core of economic growth in the Solent area.
Carnival UK
David Dingle, CEO, said, “Carnival UK offers their full support during this important phase of the LEP and our commitment to work in partnership with the public sector to deliver the ambitious targets set out in the proposal, and we are keen to work with other partners to develop a successful business-led LEP.”
Southampton International Airport Limited
Dave Lees, Managing Director, said, “Southampton Airport is a major employer in this region with over 1200 people working here and we are a catalyst for growth due to international business links. However, we firmly believe that business cannot work in isolation from national and local government and other regional organisations and that a partnership approach is vital to achieve the economic success of our business and others in the region. We look forward to working with the LEP to strengthen the sub regional economy and we see huge potential for the future.”
Portsmouth University
Professor John Craven, Vice Chancellor, said, “Portsmouth University offers its full support to the Local Enterprise Partnership. One of the clear aims of it is to raise aspirations and ambitions within the business community and put efficiency and innovation at the heart of the economy, for business and also for the public sector. The LEP can play an important role in signalling to the public sector so that it can better understand the needs of business.”
University of Southampton
Professor Don Nutbeam, Vice Chancellor, said, “The University is excited about the establishment of the Solent LEP, which is business-led and supported by active partners engaged in pushing forward an agenda of economic growth in the wider South Central region. As an institution we are committed to playing an active role in the development of the LEP in order to exploit our existing relationships with industry, our track record for innovation, enterprise and successful knowledge transfer initiatives.”
PUSH
Chairman and Councillor Seán Woodward, said, “PUSH has a strong track record of effective partnership and delivery of support for business and the local economy. The creation of the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership is a natural development of our partnership arrangements. We are determined to put business at the heart of economic growth in the Solent area, enabling this globally competitive area to realise its full potential.
“The Solent Local Enterprise Partnership will co-ordinate private and public investment, to deliver improvements in transport, housing, skills and regeneration and to deliver a sustainable pattern of growth to ensure our local communities and residents directly benefit from this growing prosperity.”
Southampton City Council
Councillor Royston Smith, Leader of SCC, said, “Simply put, economic development and growth are the city council’s number one priority and joining a successful Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) will help drive our economy. For that reason I am delighted that the Solent LEP is moving forward. We have an opportunity to work with our neighbouring authorities and businesses to ensure South Hampshire continues to focus on economic growth.
“I am sure that this partnership, led by the business community, will deliver future prosperity which will benefit us all.”
Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson
Leader of Portsmouth City Council and Vice Chairman of PUSH, said, “I am delighted by the news for Portsmouth and the Solent area. Working closely with businesses across the sub-region is essential for our future prosperity.
The establishment of the Solent LEP will help us co-ordinate ideas and action to achieve economic growth and secure jobs for local people.
Isle of Wight Council
Councillor David Pugh, Leader IWCC said, We are delighted that the business-led Solent LEP has taken this important step forward and that the Government has acknowledged the possibilities that are presented by this partnership approach.
The Isle of Wight Council will do all it can to ensure that the Island makes its full contribution to – and gains maximum benefits from – a dynamic and effective LEP. We remain committed to working ever closer with our partners on the mainland to demonstrate that the Island is open for business and that its economic interests and opportunities are well represented.
