Business leaders' verdict in identity debate
Jul 27 2010 by Karen McLaughlan, Evening Gazette
'Talk to us' plea on LEP
CALLS were made last night for Tees Valley Unlimited to better engage with the Teesside’s business community.
The comments came on the day that a bid for a Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) was submitted under the Tees Valley banner by TVU.
The bid aims to create a new power house to drive forward Teesside’s economy.
The Government has set a September 6 deadline for submissions from areas for LEPs.
However those attending last night’s meeting said there had so far been a lack of consultation - and engagement with local businesses was essential.
Jo Fryett, head of member relations at the North East Chamber of Commerce, said the organisation had so far not been consulted on the LEP.
“We support an LEP but it’s got to be private sector led and that’s not been an element so far.”
Robin Bloom of Gibson O’Neill added: “There needs to be consultation with business and not many people think TVU has engaged with business properly.”
The identity survey revealed only 6% of respondents thought TVU had had a positive impact on the region - and most people did not know what it did.
Similar concerns were expressed by some business leaders last night.
The Government is looking for LEPs to have functions that include local transport, planning and housing, infrastructure, employment and enterprise and supporting the transition to a low carbon economy.
TVU is also backing moves to create a strategic economic body for the North-east which would focus on key areas such as innovation, inward investment and business growth.
TVU estimates there is up to £8bn of potential commercial investment over the medium term that could be attracted to the area such as in an oil refinery, ports development, and offshore wind construction.
