An important step forward has been taken in the future of Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership.
The organisation will be integrated into Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness councils from April 1.
Councillors of both authorities have now approved the next steps and staff transfer into Cumberland Council with a new Cumbria Economic Growth team established.
Although Cumberland will be the delivery authority with responsibility for the partnership functions and programmes, they will continue to be delivered across the entire county.
This requires both Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness Councils to work together to support their integration and the councils have agreed that the Joint Executive Committee provides the basis of joint working and collaboration on strategic economic growth.
Under the proposals, both councils will work closely with the partnership to facilitate the transition and to ensure business continuity as far as possible.
The LEP’s staff, who successfully deliver a wide range of business support and advice programmes, including the skills bootcamps, careers and enterprise activity as well as the Growth Hub will continue to do so.
The proposals are also being considered by the Joint Executive Committee tomorrow, March 28. Following approval by all relevant committees, the transition will be implemented from April 1 with the partnership company closing on September 30.
Mark Fryer, Cumberland Council leader and executive member with responsibility for economic development, said: “This demonstrates a really important step towards transferring the functions and programmes previously under the local enterprise partnership into the local authorities in Cumbria.
“I look forward to working with colleagues in Westmorland and Furness Council to implement the agreements and, more importantly, to ensuring that we can continue to support the business voice across Cumbria.
“I would like to thank everyone involved in delivering this programme of work at pace, including Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership colleagues who have shared their knowledge and experience.
“We will continue to work closely with them during the transition period to ensure that the close links with the business community and sectors are maintained and strengthened.”
Jonathan Brook, leader of Westmorland and Furness Council and portfolio holder for strategic partnerships and economy, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to build on the previous work of the partnership and develop a new economic strategy for Cumbria.
“These changes will provide the foundation for our work, to support future growth that will benefit all our communities.
“However, initially our focus will be on working collaboratively with partners to ensure support and business continuity across the whole area.”
Lord Inglewood, chair of Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Cumbria LEP is regarded as one of the best performing in the country and we will be working closely with Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness councils to ensure that the strategic, analytical, co-ordination and advocacy work will go forward with focus, pace and efficiency.
“We have a very proud delivery record, achieving all of the targets and outcomes that have been set for us by Government. That must not fall away.
“And while the LEP enters its ‘sunset’ phase there will be no let-up in delivery of our plans and commitment to our businesses.
“We have and will continue to offer our ongoing support, advice, and counsel to the local authorities in helping them to continue what we have been doing under the new ‘sunrise’ arrangements that they now have responsibility for establishing.”
Jo Lappin, CLEP Chief Executive added: “The LEP has two paramount concerns – to make sure that the key priorities of Cumbria’s economy and businesses are understood so that opportunities are secured and challenges addressed; and that the transfer of the CLEP team to Cumberland Council goes really well and allows the team to concentrate on doing what it does so well – supporting Cumbria, its economy, its businesses and everyone who lives and works here.
“CLEP has made a real difference to Cumbria by investing in the necessary infrastructure to support growth, getting Cumbria recognised as a credible contender for national competitions and by bringing the business community together to address the things that really matter.
“Our activities have been focused on making sure that everybody benefits from economic opportunities. It is essential that this work continues.”
