How can we help region grow? LEP asks businesses for ideas

LEP chairman David Kerfoot (centre) is urging people working in businesses of all types to complete the survey. (S)

Following an initial public engagement programme in 2019 which helped determine priorities, the YNYER LEP has now written a first draft of its Local Industrial Strategy.

The strategy, which will be submitted to the UK Government in March, will determine the next 20 years of productivity and growth across the LEP’s economic area.

Now, the LEP is inviting businesses and the public to comment on the draft vision by January 31 and help to shape the final document.

David Kerfoot, chairman of the YNYER LEP, said: “The Local Industrial Strategy presents an unrivalled opportunity to reinvent and rebalance our economy.”

He added: “Front and centre of our Local Industrial Strategy are our distinctive places. They have an essential role in leading a transformation in the role and perceptions of our economy.”

The survey – which can be accessed and completed at www.businessinspiredgrowth.com/local-industrial-strategy-consultation – is open until the end of January.

Mr Kerfoot said: “The valuable insight and views gathered through our initial public engagement phase helped build regional priorities that help address productivity challenges by recognising the region’s distinctive places and opportunities.

“We now invite people to continue this collaborative approach and help shape our final submission to government through a continued ground up, partnership led approach.”

He added: “We need to make more of everyone’s potential to achieve a step change in our productivity. Ultimately, this will result in higher wages locally. We will do that by putting our people, their needs, well-being and potential at the centre of our approach.

“This type of Good Growth can only be delivered by good businesses. Collaboration within our business community will be the difference in leading the transformation of our local economy. The world is changing, demands on our economy are changing.

“What people want is business that is good – good for people, good for the planet and good for the growth and celebration of every place – whether that be the centre of a city, the deeply rural village or the small coastal town. We are creating a process to make that happen.”

For further information and to take part in the online survey visit: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/J833ZWK.