The Prime Minister Theresa May met with business leaders from England’s Local Enterprise Partnerships last Thursday (31 January) to discuss Local Industrial Strategy progress and how LEPs are tackling the grand challenges and five foundations of the Government’s Industrial Strategy.
Mrs May heard from business leaders representing each of the 38 LEPs, including Jeremy Long, Chair of OxLEP. Each LEP chair briefed the Prime Minister on the development of their respective Local Industrial Strategies (LIS), including the Oxfordshire LIS, which has so far engaged 200-plus private, public and charity organisations.
The Oxfordshire LIS aims to place the county at the ‘forefront’ of a future globally-facing UK economy, positioning it as one of the top-three global innovation ‘ecosystems’, highlighting the county’s world-leading science and technology capabilities.
The Prime Minister also discussed the emerging Oxford-Cambridge Arc and its growth potential.
The Prime Minister Theresa May said: “Local Enterprise Partnerships have a vital role to play in delivering our modern Industrial Strategy.
“Working closely with government, their leadership is helping make sure businesses thrive as we prepare to leave the European Union. I was pleased to hear directly from LEP representatives how they are bringing together the local business community, universities and other partners to design long-term, ambitious plans tailored to the strengths and needs of their areas.
“Using their unique insight and expertise to co-develop Local Industrial Strategies, LEPs are boosting economic growth, securing jobs and delivering prosperity – making sure that no community is left behind.”
