Economic geography now the key as local enterprise talks continue

Local authorities in and around Yorkshire are putting the finishing touches to proposals for five local enterprise partnerships ahead of a bid deadline on Monday. The government wants the so-called LEPs to provide the strategic leadership in their areas, set out local economic priorities and create the right environment for business and growth.

Once formed, it is expected that they will be able to apply for limited public funding for projects to deliver economic growth. Some of the five Yorkshire bids encompass local authorities from outside of the region, including parts of Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire.

Alongside the LEP proposals, a group of businesses is working on a plan for an organisation to represent Yorkshire's interests at national and international level.

This group, led by manufacturer Barry Dodd, believes that some

functions, such as access to finance, large scale and sectoral innovation, promotion and inward investment, work best at a wider level.

Mr Dodd and his colleagues are discussing how the individual LEP bids can include wording in support of the wider organisation.

A proposed form of words includes the line: "We recognise that there will be occasions when LEPs will need to consider wider collaborations where the economic geography supports this."

It adds: "Where LEPs have common requirements or similar delivery needs it may be appropriate, and cost-effective, to deliver across LEP areas in order to drive growth more rapidly."

Mr Dodd said he has received many offers of support for the pan-Yorkshire organisation from businesses and universities. The group's website, www.bigconversationyorkshire.org, has had comments from as far afield as expats living in Texas, he said.

The original working title of the Yorkshire Enterprise Partnership may be dropped in recognition of the wider area, though.

Mr Dodd said: "We are having to consider an area that's bigger than Yorkshire. We are talking about economic geography as opposed to strictly regional borders. The whole idea of these enterprise partnerships is they are about economic geography. Yorkshire is the best internationally known brand and it's economic pull is bigger than Yorkshire itself."

The Yorkshire Post is campaigning for a Yorkshire-wide body that champions the cause of Yorkshire and fights for new investment.