Key meeting to look at proposals to set up a Local Enterprise Partnership

9:56am Friday 13th August 2010

By Richard Garfield

REPRESENTATIVES from the local business sector are being encouraged to go to a key event that could lead to them having a greater say in the area’s future.

Next Thursday’s meeting, being hosted by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council at the Barceló Basingstoke Country Hotel, will explain how businesses can get involved in influencing strategic leadership decisions, creating the right environment for business success and economic growth for north Hampshire.

Borough council leader Councillor Andrew Finney said that the meeting is open to all businesses from across north Hampshire and will discuss Government proposals to set up Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) following its decision to replace regional development agencies.

Cllr Finney is keen for local business people to learn more about LEPs and to have their say on the proposal to set up a North Hampshire LEP.

He said “During this event, we want to discuss the benefits of actually having an LEP and why it is important for businesses to get involved.”

While the precise role of a LEP is still unclear, Cllr Finney believes that it could have a crucial role in funding important infrastructure improvements in the road network and ITC infrastructure.

He explained: “These are things that have been raised as issues for businesses already, but they are things we as a council can’t resolve alone as they are far too big. Working together with other authorities and organisations in north Hampshire, we will have a much stronger voice to lobby on important issues. For example, skills is an issue across the entire area. If we come together, we can have far more of an impact and we are far more likely to attract resources.

“It’s about having a joined-up approach to resolving the economic issues that will affect businesses.”

Although Basingstoke and Deane is currently a good place to do business, Cllr Finney has warned against complacency.

He said: “If the infrastructure can’t support businesses, then businesseses could leave – they don’t have to stay here. The LEP is about trying to make sure we are best placed for the businesses that we have got and to attract inward investment, to ensure that the economy in the area continues to be vibrant and grow.”

Speaking at the meeting will be Tim Colman, chairman of the North Hampshire Branch of the Federation of Small Businesses and John Copley, chief executive of Farnborough Aerospace Consortium. To book a place at the event, which runs from 2pm to 4pm, email business@bas¬ ingstoke.gov.uk, or to discuss the north Hampshire LEP proposal, contact Natalie Wigman by e-mail¬ ing her at natalie.wigman@ basingstoke.gov.uk or calling 01256 845692.

Destination Basingstoke has an online poll at destinationbasingstoke.gov.uk which asks what area people think the LEP should cover.