Determined work of Marches LEP praised by Secretary of State
Communities Secretary Eric Pickles MP has praised the “determination” of the private-sector partnership tasked with revitalising the economy of the Marches on a visit to the region.
Mr Pickles, who met with businesses and leaders of the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership, said he was impressed with the work being done across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin.
The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government was taken on a tour of the LEP's Enterprise Zone in Herefordshire and spoke with companies planning to expand onto the site, which will benefit from reduced business rates and simplified planning rules.
On the visit, organised by West Midlands MEP Anthea McIntyre, Mr Pickles held talks with the Marches LEP board in Ludlow, before taking a tour of south Shropshire's largest employer, Kerry Ingredients & Flavours.
Mr Pickles said: “I've seen everything from the very beginning of an Enterprise Zone to high growth companies and the place where the jam is made for Jammie Dodgers. I've seen a determination to do things locally, by local people, for local people and leave feeling very impressed.”
The Secretary of State also used the visit to voice his support for enterprise areas to be created in Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin, which would benefit from incentives similar to those in the Enterprise Zone.
Speaking to the partnership leaders during the visit last Thursday, he said: “You should go for it. We expect commitment from the partners, and the offer is clear. We are giving you the power and the flexibility, the Government can't do this, you folks can.”
Chairman of the Marches LEP, Dr Geoffrey Davies OBE, said: “I was delighted to welcome the Secretary of State to the region. Over a working lunch of Marches produce, we discussed our priorities for the region and the Marches LEP's strategy for growth, which is about making the most of our assets, bringing in new business and investment and job creation.
“The LEP was able to raise concerns over a number of issues, including bank lending and access to finance for businesses. We also pressed home our need for better connectivity, a direct rail link to London for the region as well as superfast broadband.
“The Secretary of State had been taken on a tour of our Enterprise Zone earlier in the day, and we told him were were keen to set up enterprise areas in Shropshire and Telford. We believe creating these areas will be one of the quickest ways to get people into jobs. Mr Pickles' message to us was to 'crack on with it' which is exactly what we are doing.”
Mr Pickles also heard from LEP Board members and representatives of Shropshire Council and Telford & Wrekin Council on issues including training and skills, planning and transport links.
