One of the largest Local Enterprise partnerships in the country has been given the go ahead in the North East.
The North Eastern Local Enterprise Partnership covers seven local authority areas across Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside and Sunderland.
With a population of two million and an economy valued at £32 billion per annum, it will be the fourth largest of 28 LEPs in the UK.
The new partnership brings together local authorities, businesses, universities, colleges and the voluntary and community sector.
One of its key aims is to make sure the North East becomes Europe's premier location for low carbon, sustainable private sector jobs.
Other priorities include: Supporting enterprise and private sector business growth, building on key economic strengths, improving skills and performance, strengthening the area’s transport, connectivity and infrastructure.
Sarah Green, Regional Director of the Confederation of British Industry North East, said: “Growing the private sector is critical to the success of the North East economy. The business community looks forward to working with the public sector to create jobs and prosperity for all who live and work within the Local Enterprise Partnership area. It is critical that we now move forward quickly and look at how we deliver the priorities set out in the proposal. “
Martin McTague, Federation of Small Businesses North East Policy Chairman, said: "The FSB is delighted that the North Eastern LEP has been approved by the Government recognising the potential for economic growth.
"We look forward to working with the LEP to ensure that the needs of small businesses are listened to and acted on to achieve the economic growth that is aspired to in the North Eastern LEP area."
Bill McGawley, Chair of the North East Chamber of Commerce Tyne and Wear Committee, added: “Today’s announcement is an important first step in creating a new approach to supporting wealth creation in our part of the world. The priority now must be to genuinely engage businesses in the new LEP’s plans and begin taking action that will improve the economy.”
A joint statement issued on behalf of the seven Council Leaders and Elected Mayor added: “We are delighted that the Government has recognised the strength of our proposal to establish one of the largest Local Enterprise Partnerships in the country for an area that - through our leading role in low carbon technologies - will become vitally important to the UK as a whole."
“The vision and priorities for the LEP, which have been agreed by partners in the private and public sectors, represents an ambitious statement of intent. Local government and business are leading the way in improving the economy.
"Through the LEP, the public sector will strengthen its relationship with the private sector and ensure that it is more responsive to business needs and the long term economic opportunities and challenges facing this part of the region.”
The go ahead for the new partnership was announced by Mark Prisk, Minister of State for Business and Enterprise and Greg Clark, Decentralisation Minister, this morning.
Greg Clark said: “This latest local enterprise partnership is a crucial one - completing the North East picture - and I’m pleased to give it the go ahead today. It is a testament to local ambition and ingenuity, and proof that central government does not need to micromanage. The ball is now in their court to work for the people of the North East, alongside the Tees Valley partnership.
“Local enterprise partnerships will bring people together - local authorities from across administrative divides, business leaders and civic leaders - in a common goal: to promote jobs, growth and prosperity in their local area.”