Northamptonshire has received a further boost to its economic growth plans for the coming years with the recent news that NEP has been awarded Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) status.
LEPs have been given a key role to play in helping to promote grass-roots economic recovery, something which has been and continues to be a primary focus for NEP. In many ways, NEP has been carrying out the role of many of the existing LEPs since its inception, and in this respect, our work to support and grow the county’s economy continues to be the principal aim of the organisation.
The fact that NEP has been awarded LEP status is, in part, recognition of the success that has been achieved to date, serving to bring Northamptonshire in line with other areas of the country and providing us with the ideal footing to take our ambitious plans for the county forward. One of the significant differences now, however, is that moving forward we will have a much improved platform for raising local business issues, needs and successes at a national level. As one of the principal vehicles for the government’s current growth agenda, the county’s new LEP status opens up crucial communication channels with key decision makers, and in turn will give the county improved recognition within central government.
One of other major potential benefits is that as a LEP, we expect to see greater opportunities for Northamptonshire businesses as a result of better overall access to government opportunities for investment.
The significant focus that central government has placed on LEPs as a way of driving economic recovery at a local level puts Northamptonshire and its business community firmly at the forefront of the UK’s growth agenda. That can only be a good thing for business and a good thing for Northamptonshire.
Prof. Philip Sugarman MSc MBA PhD FRCPsych, CEO & Medical Director, St Andrew's Healthcare, and NEP Board member:“This is another coup in a series of successes for Northamptonshire Enterprise. Building on recent successes such as the roll-out of Superfast Broadband across the county, this new status for Northamptonshire recognises its potential for economic growth. The county is set for a period of business development and jobs growth, building on its strength in a range of sectors.”
Dr. Isaac Sheps, CEO Carlsberg UK, comments,and NEP Board member: “As one of the largest businesses in Northampton, we Carlsberg UK are very happy for Northamptonshire’s growth potential to be recognised in this way. We strongly believe that businesses should be full partners in the community and wish that the community benefits from our growth and the community's growth will benefit us as a business. A growing and striving community is like a lifeline for businesses, providing skilled human resources and highly professional services needed.”
About LEPs:In total, 38 LEPs have been formed by government since October 2010, with the aim of bringing together local authorities and the private sector to lead local economic priorities and undertake activities to drive economic growth and the creation of local jobs.
