Member Article

Multi-million pound kickstart for enterprise

Two North East Councils are set to share £22.7m to help boost the economies of some of their most deprived areas, it was announced this week. Wansbeck and Redcar and Cleveland are to receive the money as part of the Government’s Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI) programme to promote enterprise and employment. The winning bids from 14 local authorities across the country will be funded for three years in the second round of the LEGI - a joint programme between Communities and Local Government, HM Treasury and the Department for Trade and Industry.

Wansbeck will benefit from £11.8m for a bid which includes an enterprise education network, community incubation space in target communities and a business support centre integrated with Business Link. In Redcar and Cleveland, £10.9m will go to target enterprise in education, inter-linked programmes to build skills and confidence and a programme to support the creation and growth of social enterprises.

Communities Minister Baroness Andrews said: “The Local Enterprise Growth Initiative aims to encourage a step-change in economic activity in some of the most deprived areas in England. I am impressed by the huge response to LEGI and the genuinely deep understanding of local issues demonstrated by many bids and the strong role set out for local partnerships in delivering change. Following a very tough selection process I am convinced that the winning proposals will be able to make a real difference and drive enterprise forward in partnership with the private sector. LEGI is a vital element in turning around the lives and prospects of some of our most disadvantaged communities in an economically sound and sustainable way.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .