Chamber reveals plans for giant LEP
Birmingham Chamber of Commerce (BCC) is seeking the creation of a "super" local enterprise partnership (LEP) to replace regional development agency Advantage West Midlands. But it says a level of trust needs to be established in the region first.
Chief executive Jerry Blackett is supporting the establishment of one cross-region LEP which would comprise Birmingham, the Black Country, Solihull, Southern Staffordshire and North Worcestershire, rather than proposed smaller organisations.
Blackett said the challenge is for Birmingham and Solihull to create a level of trust with its neighbours.
He said: “Let’s be clear, the fear is that all the resources will be sucked into the Birmingham agenda.
“We have to give confidence to our partners to create a formula that says there will be a fair allocation of resources.
“Once the West Midlands is configured as a grouping of LEPs, there will still be a need for collaboration at a regional level. This could be provided by a committee of LEPs comprising business and local government representatives from each LEP."
Once established, the LEP will have just 25 per cent of its predecessor’s budget.
The chamber will hold a meeting on 2 August to discuss the prospective LEPs.
Photo: Jerry Blackett, chief executive, Birmingham Chamber of Commerce
