LEPs Delivering Huge Impact Ten Years On, New Figures Show

For ten years Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) have been driving forward inclusive economic growth across the country. They have harnessed the energy and expertise of leaders from 2,000 businesses, 180 local authorities and 250 further and higher education organisations. 

The new figures show that in the Midlands, LEPs have delivered £4.1 billion of Government investment into the area, unlocking a further £11.1 billion of match funding from private, public and voluntary, community and social enterprise (VSCE) partners.

Pat Doody, Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Since the Greater Lincolnshire LEP was created we have unlocked over £279 million of additional investment through our funding programmes, delivering and safeguarding thousands of jobs, homes and learners. This has helped our area to bounce back from the pandemic and support future growth and investment across Greater Lincolnshire.

“Among the highlights of the past ten years are our successful bid for a Humber Freeport, our financial support for the creation of a new medical school at the University of Lincoln, our pioneering series of online jobs and careers fairs, our Food Enterprise Zones, and the leading role we have played in the creation of UK Food Valley, a new brand which will put Lincolnshire firmly at the heart of food production in the UK.

“The Greater Lincolnshire economy has grown by 16% in the last five years, and to support private-sector growth we have engaged with almost 20,000 businesses, providing access to business support and creating new routes for business groups to share crucial intelligence with Government on issues such as the impact of Covid-19, EU exit and future skills challenges.” 

You can watch a short video about the impact of LEPs across the Midlands over the last decade below.