Businesses invited to have their say on shaping economic future

The Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) is offering local businesses a chance to have their say on shaping the economic future of the region, by participating in a series of round table discussions about a new Local Industrial Strategy.

Last year HM Government launched its Industrial Strategy that aims to create an economy that boosts productivity and earning power throughout the UK. It is a long-term plan that provides a policy framework against which major private and public sector investment decisions can be made.

There is a commitment to developing local strategies for places across England and it is the LLEPs role to lead on the development of a Local Industrial Strategy for Leicester and Leicestershire.

Mike Durban, Head of Strategy at the LLEP explains:

Local Industrial Strategies are plans that will strengthen local economic growth, improve productivity and reduce inequities between different parts of the UK.

They will identify priorities to improve skills, increase innovation and enhance infrastructure and business growth. They will also guide the use of local funding streams as well as funding which is devolved down to local areas from national schemes.

Our Local Industrial Strategy will be long-term, based on clear evidence and aligned to the national Industrial Strategy. It will identify local strengths and challenges, future opportunities and the action needed to boost productivity, earning power and competitiveness.”

The Government intends to agree the first Local Industrial Strategies by March 2019 and will prioritise areas with the potential to drive wider regional growth, focusing on clusters of expertise and centres of economic activity. Therefore, the LLEP is seeking to engage with businesses to create a Local Industrial Strategy prospectus that can be used to lobby Government for future investment.

By sharing their views to identify the key challenges, opportunities and priorities for Leicester and Leicestershire, businesses can assist the LLEP to develop a new Local Industrial Strategy prospectus that includes valuable insight from those working in key sectors.

Nick Pulley, LLEP Chair said:

I would really encourage local businesses to sign up to these important round table discussions. We need the specialist knowledge and insight of local industry to help inform our future plans and for businesses to tell us what is needed to boost their growth and productivity.”

The LLEP will be holding a series of five round table discussions with businesses during week commencing 14 May 2018:

14 May 2018, 10.00-12.00
Textiles design, manufacturing and technology

15 May 2018, 10.00-12.00
Space data & digital technology

16 May 2018, 13.00-15.00
Life sciences

17 May 2018, 10.00-12.00
Advanced logistics

18 May 2018, 14.00-16.00
Advanced manufacturing & engineering

The aim of these round table discussions is to ensure that local industry leads the development of the strategy and if the LLEP is successful in lobbying Government this could result in more devolved powers and funding to support the Leicester and Leicestershire economy.

Places on each round table are limited to 20 businesses and available on a first come first served basis. Please book by 4 May to secure your place.

For more information about the Local Industrial Strategy please visit www.llep.org.uk/strategies-and-plans/industrial-strategy/