Dorset and Solent LEPs collaborating on new industrial strategy to bring investment to South Coast
Regional business chiefs have launched a joint bid to partner up to create a strategy that could bring tens of thousands of pounds of investment to the South Coast.
Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is partnering with Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to create a new industrial strategy which will set out a long-term plan to boost productivity and bring investment to Dorset and the Solent region.
The proposed strategy will build on local strengths and deliver on economic opportunities, with a particular focus on the visitor and maritime sectors, allowing for the development of economic infrastructure (digital and transport) which will connect people to places as well as supporting new housing delivery.
In Dorset, particular address will be given to transport links which are cited as Dorset’s number one impediment to business growth followed by recruitment, housing and broadband access.
It comes after the LEP said at their annual business conference that the state of Dorset’s road network was the county’s biggest barrier to economic growth.
Meanwhile, in the Solent region, particular address will be given to support the growth to help expand Portsmouth and Southampton, building on the key assets concentrated in these cities, including the universities and ports.
Particular address will also be given to coastal communities of the Isle of Wight and Gosport so that the positive impact created is felt within these communities.
The strategy will also establish new ways of working with national and local leaders – an approach that is responsive to local business and global market conditions.
Gary Jefferies, chairman of the Solent LEP, added: "The LEPs Strategic Economic Plan for the Solent area has played an integral role in our work to secure over £180m investment in our economy through the Solent Growth Deal to date and we are committed to building on this success by developing an Industrial Strategy which response to today's announcement, builds on our existing world-leading capability in areas such as Marine and Maritime and supports development of those areas where we have the potential to be a global force in the future."
Ian Girling, chief executive of the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, added: “It is essential there is a clear focus on partnership between the public and private sectors in terms of economic development and we look forward to working with the Dorset LEP in taking this plan forward.”
Councillor Gary Suttle, leader of Purbeck District Council and chair of Dorset Leaders’ Growth Board, said: "As a County, we are ready to play a major role in developing world-class industries supported by the infrastructure and skills that they need locally.
"In partnership with the Dorset LEP and Dorset's industries we look forward to working with Government in the planning and delivery of the Industrial Strategy and to help boost growth and productivity."
Councillor Sean Woodward, leader of Fareham Borough Council and Solent LEP director, said: "There is a lot of things that we share in common with South Hampshire and the Bournemouth and Poole area.
"It makes a deal of sense to be working together on a joint industrial strategy as the issues that we are trying to tackle don't end at Ringwood."
Nationally, the government's industrial strategy which was launched last November focuses on increasing spending on the infrastructure of the future, delivering clean energy and spreading 5G digital connectivity right across the country and £300m for electric vehicle charging points.
The strategy also focused on creating a £1.7bn Transforming Cities Fund for projects that drive productivity by improving connections within city regions – which includes £74m to the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority to invest in transport projects that will drive productivity by improving connectivity, reducing congestion and introducing new mobility services and technology.
Local enterprise partnerships are voluntary partnerships between local authorities and businesses set up in 2011 by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to help determine local economic priorities and lead economic growth and job creation within the local area.
In a joint statement, both LEPs said: “Solent and Dorset LEP have been exploring a range of shared agendas. This builds on broader existing collaborations with all LEPs in the South West of England. Both LEP Boards have expressed a desire to explore, in partnership with Government, the potential development of a Local Industrial Strategy.
“Both LEPs recognise that there is a range of areas where collaboration should be explored, particularly given common strengths in, for example, the visitor and maritime sectors.
“Discussions are at an early stage and both boards are looking forward continuing the dialogue with a view to exploring new growth opportunities for both areas."
Source - Dorset Echo