New LEP announced in Dorset

Date: 8th July 2011

Dorset has become the 36th region in the UK to benefit from the launch of a new local enterprises partnership (LEP).

Business minister Mark Prisk recently announced the new partnership, which will bring together nine councils, around 710,000 individuals and more than 31,000 firms.

"I'm delighted that we are able to approve a proposal for a Dorset partnership that had the best interests of the area at its heart. We are edging closer to having 100 per cent coverage of local LEPs in England and we are continuing to assess proposals for further partnerships in areas which are currently not represented," he commented.

"LEPs bring together local business and civic leaders, working to support their local economy. They operate within a geography that reflects natural economic areas and provide the vision, knowledge and strategic leadership needed to drive sustainable private sector growth and job creation in their area."

Business growth and job creation are expected to be the results of the LEP once it is fully operational.

Posted by Thomas Fletcher