4


The news that the government’s funding of Lancashire’s Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) will come to an end next April came as little surprise.


It points the way to a future for Lancashire that includes some form of devolution, with work continuing in the county and in Whitehall to ‘seal the deal’ with government.


The direction of travel is beginning to look clearer. We now look forward to seeing what that destination looks like and how getting there will benefit our communities and businesses across Lancashire.


The LEP, a strategic collaboration between business, universities and local councils, was formed in 2011, with a remit to direct economic growth and drive job creation.


Since then it has played a central role in coordinating the county’s economic priorities, with some measure of success, as we report in this issue.


The end of the LEP does pose one important question and it must be answered sooner rather than later.


What will replace the LEP when it comes to ensuring the business voice of the county is fully heard?


We agree with Debbie Francis, the LEP’s current chair, who has stressed that the need for business collaboration with local authorities remains crucial to enable the delivery of economic growth and prosperity in Lancashire.


Aidy Riggott, cabinet member for economic development and growth at


Richard Slater, chairman


richard@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 295584


County Hall, says Lancashire’s business voice will continue to be heard. That is welcome news. A strong business voice that is listened to is vital. However, like any devolution arrangement we may get, the devil will be in the detail.


Our neighbours in Greater Manchester and the Liverpool City Region – both with significant and working devolution deals – have already moved to create ‘business boards’.


They have been set up specifically as vehicles to bring the business voice closer to the economic policy making of the combined authorities, with maximising growth at their heart.


We would suggest that Lancashire needs to move quickly to create a similar working vehicle. It is important not to create a vacuum once the LEP is no more.


Whatever it is called, that ‘board’ must be created soon and it cannot be viewed as a ‘talking shop’. In keeping with the work in Manchester and on Merseyside, it must involve businesses from all our key sectors in policy making.


To that end, work will also need to be done to get full buy-in from Lancashire’s business community. Engagement and communication will be crucial moving forward.


In turn, we all have a part to play in engaging to ensure our voice is heard. A strong working relationship between business and local government, in whatever form, is vital for Lancashire’s economic wellbeing.


Stephen Bolton, managing director


stephen@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 295583


Lancashire Business View is written, designed and produced by Northpoint Publishing.


Rachael Norris, marketing & events director


rachael@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 295586


EDITORIAL


Ged Henderson, editor


editor@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 295585


SALES


Joanne Hindley, sales director


joanne@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 295585


SUPPORT


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abbey@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 295585


Anna King, senior administrator


anna@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 295582


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kath@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 07385 381073


Tim Aldred, online editor


tim@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 297870


Olivia McCaughran, assistant marketing manager


olivia@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 295587


Lancashire Business View and LBV are registered trademarks.


The views expressed by our columnists are not necessarily shared by Lancashire Business View.


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