IoD: ‘What is the LEP actually doing?’

THE Institute of Directors has turned on the Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, questioning what the public-private group is doing and accusing it of “almost non-existent communication”.
By The Newsroom
Published 20th Mar 2012, 06:00 BST

The partnership between civic and business leaders was established last April to drive economic growth across the group of 11 local authorities.

But questions are now being asked about its effectiveness.

Charlotte Britton, chairwoman of the West Yorkshire IoD, said: “What is the LEP actually doing? Communication has been almost non-existent. We appreciate it has no budget and therefore cannot have a marketing or PR facility but to hear of some of its work would be an indicator that it was being proactive rather than inactive.”

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The LEP set up its Business Communications Group to inform organisations such as the IoD, CBI, EEF and FSB about its activities so they can pass on information to their members. The group has not met since January.

A LEP spokeswoman said: “The group agreed that the next meeting will be in April to allow the individual task groups to focus on the major initiatives we are currently driving forward.”

She said these include negotiations with the Government to help local authorities win powers from Whitehall, a major skills campaign, the green economy and business, innovation and growth panels. She added that the LEP hopes to launch a new website in the coming weeks.

Related topics:LEPGovernment