LEP needs a big hitter - copy of letter sent to local press

The issue of the Local Enterprise Partnership is a key route to bringing investment into the County, and i have sent this letter to the local press about the issue. Simon

Dear Editor,

Recent reports that the West Midlands have apparently secured £94m from the Regional Growth Fund compares poorly with the fact that little has come to the East Midlands - especially Leicester and Leicestershire. In my opinion this underlines the urgency of appointing a Chairman to the LEP.

A recent Business Survey for winter 2011 has been produced, it is signed not by the chair of the LEP but instead its highest officer. This raises many concerns notably that the LEP is doing something when (as far as I am aware) no Chair exists and no board meetings have been called. To me the prospect of the situation being so bad that an officer is effectively running the LEP is very worrying and goes some way to highlight the need for both Business and Politicians to get off their high horses and find a solution.

We have to accept it will be difficult to resolve the situation before Easter, the elections in the Districts and the City mean that politicians are unlikely to want to make decisions on a Chairman. That said I don't feel we should overplay the role of the City Mayor. Whoever gets elected is probably going to want to devote all their time to running the City Council rather than taking a leading role in the LEP.

Some weeks ago I coined the phrase 'Big Hitter' and I remain convinced of the need to appoint someone who has the presence and charisma to present our case on the national stage. I know that other areas are looking beyond locally grown talent for someone who can share the vision of the business community. They must be able to improve our chances of attracting funding from the Regional Growth Fund, and inward investment. We cannot afford to lose out to the likes of Nottingham, Northamptonshire or the West Midlands. The number of LEP's increases competition and the ongoing delay in appointing a Chair of the LEP in Leicestershire could mean that although this was one of the first LEP's to get ministerial approval, it will be one of the last to get going.

That is why it is vital we appoint a Chair as soon as possible by restarting the process and hoping that suitably qualified candidates come forward which secure the support of all partners in the LEP.

Simon Galton CC