Humphries Kirk involved in New Dorset Partnership

LEP Forum LEADING businesspeople from across Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole met to discuss the formation of a Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to replace economic activity currently undertaken by the Regional Development Agency in Dorset.

The new LEP will be at the heart of economic development for Dorset, supporting businesses of all sizes with a remit to tackle issues such as planning and housing, local transport and infrastructure, employment and enterprise. It will be made up of 50% businesspeople and 50% local authority members, giving the private sector real clout in determining local issues.

Mrs Mary Boughton MBE, Chairman of the Dorset Economic Partnership, chaired the forum at County Hall in Dorchester. She said: ‘This is a real challenge and opportunity for business to be a driving force in Dorset’s future, helping to shape the policies which affect us.

‘Government funding is not going to be available and commerce will have to take its place. Innovative ways of achieving economic and social objectives will be necessary. To represent the views of all businesses, engage their confidence, harness their energy, and provide a coherent strategy to the local authorities, we will have to find an effective way of bringing all businesses and all business organisations from all parts of Dorset into the picture.’

‘It’s essential that any bid reflects the views of businesses across Dorset and I urge firms to get in touch and let us know your comments before 20 August.’

The forum agreed that there are two big questions facing Dorset: what should an LEP do and what area should it cover?

LEPs will reflect economic identities and are not tied to county boundaries. The forum was advised of a Dorset proposal that would encompass the area embraced by Dorset County Council, Poole Borough Council and Bournemouth Borough Council. It also considered options that would include related economic areas in one or more of South Somerset, South Wiltshire, East Devon and South Hampshire.

Opinion was divided on the geographic issue and there were some firm views expressed on the constraints currently preventing businesses from realising their full potential to regenerate the economy and create jobs. Attendees reached agreement on the outline priorities, which aim to build upon the strengths of Dorset and encourage economic growth within our superb environment. The priorities were:

To further the economic development and regeneration of the area
To promote business efficiency, investment and competitiveness
To promote employment
To develop skills relevant to employment
To ensure that the economy of the area is sustainable.

David Walsh, Economic Development Manager at Dorset County Council, will be writing the proposal. Businesspeople who have comments to make are urged to email David on d.walsh@dorsetcc.gov.uk

The forum was attended by representatives from the Country Land and Business Association, the Federation of Small Businesses, local chambers of commerce, Poole Borough Council, the NFU, RICS, Institute of Directors and Destination Dorset as well as individual representatives of key business sectors including engineering, law, Dorset ports, creative and media. It was organised by Rupert Best, CLA Dorset branch chairman.

For more information on LEPs visit www.communities.gov.uk.

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