Gloucestershire has been given permission to set up its own Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).  The LEP will provide a platform for the county to bid for government cash to boost local business and encouraging inward investment.

It will be led by GFirst (formerly Gloucestershire First), the county council’s economic arm, and will build on the existing good work going on in the county.  Examples of projects the LEP will focus include things like the Kemble to Swindon rail track redoubling and the investment into rural broadband.

Work has already started on creating a future vision for the LEP with key projects and issues being identified by business leaders, GFirst and the county council.  The bid, submitted last month, had the support of local businesses and groups, local councils and county MPs and this boosted our chance of success.

Today the government department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) has confirmed the green light for Gloucestershire’s bid.

David Owen, Chief Executive of GFirst, said: “At a time when the economy is top priority for the Government, this LEP status announcement is important news and recognition of Gloucestershire as an economic entity.

“We have never accepted that city and rural economies run separately – the Gloucestershire economy is a unique and varied one that draws on both of these aspects.”  The successful bid provides a direct link between national government and local business.

Cllr Mark Hawthorne, Leader of Gloucestershire County Council, said: “LEP status is vital for Gloucestershire because activity under this England-wide programme is directed at business growth, turnover and jobs – precisely our objectives for the Gloucestershire economy.”

The LEP programme will open up opportunities to pitch for financial and infrastructure support.

Initially the Regional Growth Fund (RGF) is a £1.4bn fund operating across England from 2011 to 2014 and the Gloucestershire LEP can bid for a share.

New Chair of GFirst, Diane Savory, plans to encourage more involvement in the LEP by local businesses.

She said: “My own experience at Supergroup PLC demonstrated to me that Gloucestershire can foster fast business growth.

 “Now, I want the LEP to be the organisation that produces a completely fresh and positive ‘can-do’ commercial environment in the county.”