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