Benham Publishing Businesss Magazines December 2013 | Page 29

BigInterview

“The LEP’s
challenge is to
listen to business and
the key stakeholders,
secure what resources it
can and generate the
right conditions for
driving growth.”

can and generate the right conditions for
driving growth.
“This includes removing blockages that inhibit
growth, fostering better connections between
our businesses, shouting loudly about the
businesses we have in the county and its unique
location as well as encouraging inward investment
and campaigning for better infrastructure.”
For all the area’s independence when it comes
to funding, John acknowledges that there is a
need for some State financial support.
He said: “The Government has promised
funding for all 39 LEPs in England and we are in
the process of setting out our Growth Strategy
which will act as our pitch for a significant slice
of the available funds.
“During 2014, we must ensure that we have
successfully finalised this work, made a strong
and persuasive argument to Government and
started to establish the correct systems and
governance for delivering against our strategy.
In parallel, we will continue to deliver on our
current programmes.”
He sees collaboration with organisations such
as the Chamber as crucial if success is to be
achieved.
John said: “The LEP’s success will be wholly
based upon unifying and co-ordinating the
excellent work that a number of businessrelated organisations already do around the
county, including the Hertfordshire Chamber of
Commerce – we need to, and will, work in
collaboration.
“The LEP shares the Chamber’s ambitions for
local businesses and a strong relationship has
existed from day one.”

INSPIRE

29