Putting the ’E’ in LEP

In response the recently formed Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) across the country, national enterprise network the NFEA has released a paper outlining its intention to make a significant contribution to the LEPs plans towards reviving local economies.

Following the closure of the country’s Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) and the restructure of Business Link, LEPs have been implemented to support local people and businesses as we emerge from the recession. The worry from the NFEA is that the LEPs will neglect the promotion of enterprise as their busy agendas present them with a split focus.

The Government’s expectations of the LEPs is that they have an important role in supporting enterprise and businesses in their areas by promoting a more entrepreneurial culture, helping existing businesses to survive and grow, and encouraging and supporting business start-ups, including in more disadvantaged communities where self-employment can help regenerate communities and build economic activity.

However, the NFEA’s concern is that enterprise, as a core LEP function, is being marginalised in favour of more capital-intensive issues such as planning, housing and transport, and that where business is being considered, it is the larger and more estab¬lished businesses which appear to be taking priority.

With this in mind the NFEA has offered support via its members across the country. NFEA members have the skills and experience to make a huge contribution to the level of new business starts, business growth, community regeneration and reducing
Worklessness.

To read the paper in full visit: www.nfea.com.