Midlands LEPs celebrate delivery of billions in regional investment

 

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The chair of Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire LEP has commented on newly-released figures which demonstrate the vast positive economic impact that Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) across the Midlands region have made in the ten years since their formation.

New figures show that across the Midlands, LEPs have delivered £4.1 billion of Government investment into the area, unlocking a further £11.1 billion of match funding from private; public; and voluntary, community and social enterprise (VSCE) partners. Playing a significant role in this success, Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire LEP has secured over £355 million of government investment for businesses and communities in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire and unlocked over £1 billion of additional investment as a result of its investments.

Alun Rogers, chair of Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire LEP, commented:

“We are incredibly proud of the work that we, in partnership with public and private sector organisations and other LEPs across the Midlands, have delivered throughout recent years to generate investment and deliver inclusive economic growth for the benefit of all across the region.

“One way in which Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire LEP has made a significant difference is through the Getting Building Fund. From the i54 Western Extension to the Health Innovation Centre at Staffordshire University, the projects we’re investing in are generating a wealth of benefits for our region, like supporting the delivery of new enterprise and innovation spaces and improving transport infrastructure.

“We’ve also been investing in skills that will fuel the future of our economy, enabling people to embrace opportunities and secure good jobs in some of our region’s thriving sectors. For example, we’ve created an investment of £62m in skills to support the workforce of the future, and our work has supported at least 3,560 learners with a qualification. In addition to this, 15,000 jobs and apprenticeships are set to be created as a result of our investments.

“Never has this work been as important as throughout the last year and a half, and going forward, skills should be a focus and a priority as we support people and businesses to bounce back beyond the pandemic. Ensuring that opportunity is accessible to all will be paramount to upskilling and future-proofing the workforce, and investing in digital skills will play a crucial role in preparing the next generation for the world of work.

“Together, Midlands LEPs have been a driving force of regional support throughout the pandemic, and by continuing to work in partnership, we can ensure that the future of our economy, businesses and people is prosperous.”

LEPs should be central to the delivery of the economic recovery and levelling up.  For ten years, Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) have been driving forward inclusive economic growth across the country. They have harnessed the energy and expertise of leaders from 2000 businesses, 180 local authorities and 250 Higher/Further Education organisations.

 

ENDS

For further information, please contact Emily McGowan-Phoenix at Social at emily.mcgowanphoenix@social.co.uk or on 07393233435

About Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire LEP

The LEP supports businesses in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire by working in partnership with organisations across the public and private sectors to drive growth and economic success.

Through our Growth Hub, we provide support to help businesses grow and innovate, creating jobs and economic opportunities.

Through our partnerships with education institutions and skills providers, we are ensuring businesses can find the talent they need to prosper while also developing the workforce of the future.

And, through our investment in transport, training facilities, enterprise zones and other infrastructure, we are enabling communities across our region to thrive and making Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire an attractive place for people to live, work and do business.

We also represent Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire’s interests nationally, providing a voice for local businesses to ensure that central government policy meets the specific needs of our region and securing major investment for our area.