Business chiefs back single partnership across Humber
The business leaders – including Chambers of Commerce, Confederation of British Industry, Federation of Small Businesses, BP and ConocoPhillips – say that only a single partnership would be able to boost the region's economy. But Hull City Council leader Carl Minns has rejected calls for a Humber-wide LEP because he said the economic areas of the north and south Humber did not match.
It comes as national business leaders backed the principle of a separate pan-Yorkshire organisation – something businesses are fighting for to ensure the region packs its punch – as they gave evidence to a House of Commons committee. MPs were warned that the Government's early September deadline for areas to submit bids to set up partnerships – to be led by boards of business people and councillors – has led to some proposals of poor quality.
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Hide AdBids to set up partnerships led by Leeds, Sheffield and York and North Yorkshire have sparked little controversy, but rival visions for the Humber prompted the letter to Business Secretary Vince Cable and Communities Secretary Eric Pickles.
Chief Executive of Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce Ian Kelly said: "This unprecedentedly strong message...makes it absolutely clear that a pan-Humber local enterprise partnership is essential for our economic and business success."