Marches Local Enterprise Partnership open for business
Give us the tools to “fight our corner” and we will breathe new life into the economy of the Marches, creating the conditions for business growth.
That was the message to the Government and MPs at the launch of the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership, where chairman Dr Geoffrey Davies OBE declared the LEP “open for business”.
Dr Davies said although the key elements were in place to help create a strong and diverse business base across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin, obvious barriers to growth must be removed if the LEP was to achieve success.
Speaking during the launch event at the House of Commons yesterday, Dr Davies said it was vital key Government decision-makers understood the contrasting urban and rural mix of the region, and made a plea for the area to be given Enterprise Zone status.
Dr Davies said: “Specifically, we want three things. Firstly, ready access to finance for small and medium-sized businesses. Money must be more readily available and it must also be available at affordable rates.
“Secondly, the Marches needs better communications. In this era of global business, we need superfast broadband and vastly improved mobile phone coverage. We also have a beady eye on transport connectivity, we badly need a fast and frequent direct rail link to London.
“Thirdly, we need a strong infrastructure. We need to make land and property fit for business start-ups, business expansions and for new business arrivals. Enterprise Zone status is a huge attraction - we need it, please help us.”
The Marches LEP also unveiled its prospectus, a blueprint for its “no-frills approach” to creating a strong and sustainable economy by helping to stimulate the private sector.
Dr Davies added: “We have a great partnership assembled and ready for business. Civil servants and MPs must play an integral part if we are to achieve the re-balancing act that the government is seeking.”
The launch event at the House of Commons was hosted by North Shropshire MP Owen Paterson, and attended by Business Minister Mark Prisk MP.
Mr Prisk, who announced he would be visiting the Marches region next month, told guests: “Your area was the heart of the industrial revolution and the blend of the rural and the industrial is one that I’m very mindful of.
“It’s very exciting to see you up and running, this is about the LEP telling us what your priorities are and then for us to stand beside you, willing to support that. I’m coming to visit the region so I can understand the issues but the LEP is there for you to drive. You have the particular needs and desires, aspirations and capabilities. Our job is to support that, not to direct it.”
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Owen Paterson MP, said he was delighted to host the launch of the Marches LEP, saying it was an “enthusiastic and entrepreneurial organisation run by people who understood the difficulties of keeping businesses going in a fairly rural area.”
More than 60 people attended the launch at the House of Commons, including MPs from Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Herefordshire, representatives from UK Trade & Industry and councillors and leading officers from the three local authorities.
