Surrey submits LEP bid
Surrey has submitted an expression of interest to form a Local Enterprise Partnership following the government's request for regions and localities to prepare an outline vision.
Surrey Economic Partnership (SEP) chairman Rosco Paterson and Surrey County Council leader Dr Andrew Povey submitted a joint countywide expression of interest to the Government ahead of the 6 September deadline.
The SEP and the council set out their case for developing a clear economic vision following a series of meetings with key business leaders in Surrey from all sectors representing companies of every size.
The focus will be on:
*infrastructure projects such as transport and super fast broadband
*providing support for new businesses starting up
*helping existing businesses reach their full potential
*continuing to ensure the workforce has the right skills base
Mr Paterson said: "Businesses want a strong economic vision for Surrey and an organisation with the leadership to deliver it. Our partnership aims to increase our world ranking as the preferred place to live and work and ensure the area's future economic health and prosperity."
Dr Povey, who in addition to being the county council's leader is the chairman of the Surrey Strategic Partnership, said: "This bid sets a clear commitment to build a strong partnership that will continue to invest in Surrey's success and ensure the UK carries on benefiting from our powerhouse economy."
Surrey's submission covers the county's administrative boundaries but the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) expects to work alongside neighbouring bodies on issues they have in common such as innovation and inward investment. Surrey's LEP will be governed by an independent board representing the private and public sectors and the chairman will be drawn from the business community.
The partnership's expression of interest comes after the coalition government announced its intention to abolish Regional Development Agencies and replace them with LEPs, which will be business led and jointly run with local authorities.
