‘Government and LEPs now need to put their foot on the gas’

Matthew Fell, CBI Chief UK Policy Director:

“Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) have an integral role in lifting productivity across the English regions, so it’s essential that they are equipped to deliver, address the right economic footprint and work collaboratively.

“Businesses across England will welcome the Government’s aim to have all local industrial strategies agreed by 2020. The Government and LEPs now need to put their foot on the gas to roll out local industrial strategies throughout the UK, so no region gets left behind.

“Business input is critical in providing good local leadership – we welcome the emphasis from the Government on attracting high-quality business leaders from a diverse range of backgrounds for chair roles. Business-led local industrial strategies have the potential to drive up economic growth, help create more jobs and improve people’s lives.”