FSB welcomes first Local Enterprise Partnerships

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has welcomed the announcement that the first 24 Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEP) will be getting the go-ahead.

The FSB has been a key partner in the development of the LEP proposals and is pleased that this first wave of partnerships have been given the green light, and the concept is up and running.

The FSB has constantly argued that partnerships should not get the go-ahead unless it was clear that they could demonstrate business backing and involvement. The FSB is happy to help those partnerships whose proposals need more work in engaging with local businesses.

The immediate focus for Government and the first LEPs should be to set priorities to encourage business growth and ensure that small firms really are at the heart of the local community – simply gaining business support will not be enough. This is just the beginning of the process in developing LEPs and the FSB firmly believes it is vital that small businesses are involved throughout.

Mike Cherry, Policy Chairman, Federation of Small Businesses, said:

“The FSB has always been an advocate of local businesses working in partnership with local authorities so setting up these business-led partnerships is the logical next step. We are delighted that the first LEPs are beginning to take shape and it is right that those that are ready to do so are not held back.

“However, it is now vital that these LEPs follow through with their promise to include small firms in the proposals and turn it into a permanent relationship. If these partnerships are going to be successful then they must genuinely involve local businesses to get things done – not fall into the temptation of merely paying lip service to the small business sector.

“The immediate focus for each new LEP should be to set priorities to encourage business growth in the area. As the voice of small business, the FSB must be involved in all LEPs as they emerge in order to ensure small businesses are at their core, as it is small firms that are at the heart of successful local communities.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. The FSB is the UK’s leading business organisation with over 213,000 members. It exists to protect and promote the interests of the self-employed, and all those who run their own business. More information is available at www.fsb.org.uk

2. The Government received 57 proposals to form Local Enterprise Partnerships in total. LEPs will replace the eight Regional Development Agencies across the UK, to provide strategic leadership in local areas and create the right environment for businesses to succeed and for local economies to grow.

3. The Government consultation closed on 6 September 2010.

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Contacts

Stephen Alambritis: 020 7592 8112/ 07788 422155
Prue Watson: 020 7592 8121/ 07825 125695 prue.watson@fsb.org.uk

For regional FSB contacts please go to www.fsb.org.uk