News & views

14 December 2018

Call for evidence to help shape strategy

The Leicester and Leicestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) is developing a long-term strategy for the area, and is looking for business people, entrepreneurs, charity bosses and the broader public to have their say on the new plan.

The LLEP was one of six in the country to be invited by the Government to draw up a plan that will improve skills, increase innovation, enhance infrastructure and boost growth in the area.

The plan – or Local Industrial Strategy – for the city and county could eventually be used to shape local and national industrial policy and guide investment as the regions become more devolved from central government.

Leicestershire Business Voice is encouraging members to contribute to the plan and provide their valuable input on local economic development.

Jane Cowley, Chair of LBV says: “This is our opportunity to have a say and shape the economic future of our city and county. This call to action cannot be overlooked so please make sure that you take the opportunity to submit a considered response before the January deadline.”

The four challenges that the LLEP wants to address are:

• Artificial Intelligence and Data Economy – putting the UK at the forefront of the artificial intelligence and data revolution
• Future of Mobility – becoming a world leader in the way people, goods and services move
• Clean Growth – maximising the advantages for UK industry from the global shift to clean growth
• Ageing Society – harnessing the power of innovation to help meet the needs of an ageing society

LLEP chairman, Kevin Harris said: “The Local Industrial Strategy is hugely important for both individual businesses and the wider economy in Leicester and Leicestershire.

“I strongly encourage anyone with an interest in supporting local growth to respond to our call for evidence and help shape our emerging priorities.

“The strategy will guide major investment and infrastructure developments in our region for the next decade; it’s of vital importance that businesses, educators, the voluntary sector and local authorities, which all have a stake in the economic development of our region, have their say.”

Have your say on the strategy before 31 January 2019.