Measures announced to get local enterprise partnerships operating

A package of three measures to help local enterprise partnerships get up and running have been announced.

Firstly the partnerships are being invited to submit bids for a share of a £5m Start-Up Fund, which is a one-off pot of money to fund such things as office equipment and training which they believe will help get themselves established. As part of their bid, partnerships will be expected to demonstrate how they will become self-sustaining in the future.

Secondly, partnerships will also have access to an online Toolbox which provides comprehensive information on economic development activity across government departments, and ideas for strong partnership/government working.

Thirdly, they will also be able to access information through the new Department for Business, Innovation and Skills Local network which will be the first point of contact on any issues.

Funding allocations from the first round of the local enterprise partnership Capacity Fund have also been issued to partnerships. Each will receive a share of £1m to help increase their understanding of the barriers to growth facing local businesses.

Mark Prisk said: "Over the last ten months, business and civic leaders have risen to the challenge and we now have 33 partnerships in place covering 92 per cent of all businesses in England."

Further information:
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills