Liverpool’s LEP emerges from ashes of TMP

The Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership was formally established at a meeting on Friday morning.

Robert Hough was officially appointed chairman of the board, heading a team of private sector representatives and council leaders.

Hough's inaugural board is as follows:

Retiring TMP chairman, Rod Holmes, advised a special general meeting of TMP's members on Friday that the incorporation of the LEP "builds on TMP's structure and resources as well as 20 years' experience as the biggest, and still growing, membership organisation promoting economic development across the entire Liverpool City Region."

TMP members approved the transition, which has attracted criticism over staff levels and delays, including the change of name to Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership and approved Robert Hough and his LEP board who have now taken over from Rod Holmes and his board.

Hough told members: "Following this week's historic meetings the LEP will gain immediate benefits from the capacity and experience of the Executive it is absorbing. This will enable Liverpool City Region LEP to make rapid progress in leading economic growth throughout the City Region and to build on the substantial progress already made."

In a statement the LEP said its core activities will include, in its own words:

Strategic Economic Development – developing the city region's economic strategy and undertaking strategic research and monitoring performance. It will also contribute to the development of spatial planning, housing, transport, infrastructure, education and training policies. The LEP will be the main economic development interface with Government

Business Growth – assisting existing businesses to grow and increase productivity, promoting entrepreneurship and innovation, and advising and assisting businesses regarding available funds and additional indigenous investment;

Key Growth Sectors – supporting the development of the key growth sectors: the knowledge economy, superport, low carbon and visitor economy; and

Marketing – developing the city region brand, collective marketing of the city region's existing businesses and investment opportunities, and attracting new businesses and investment.

Hough said: "The LEP will be the primary economic development body for the city region and will work with partner organisations to stimulate the development of the economy. There are high expectations for the LEPs and in particular for the Liverpool City Region LEP. Greatly accelerated economic growth and significant job creation are expected across the city region."

Hough added: "The membership from the private and public sectors is strong and has been growing in challenging economic conditions. Members value the work undertaken on their behalf. In future, members will continue to receive the same high quality service, and will also benefit from the status that the LEPs have been accorded by Government in terms of their broad economic development role and remit. They will be able to provide the LEP with opinions and advice in order to inform its activities.

"By establishing the LEP in this way, we are building on solid foundations. Today's vote, and transition means the new LEP can rise rapidly to the challenge of ensuring that the City Region is a dynamic powerhouse for economic growth and job creation."