Member Article

London Enterprise Panel launches £70 million programme to create 7,000 jobs

Members of the London Enterprise Panel (LEP) have launched a £70million borough-led programme which will create more than 7,000 apprenticeships.

The scheme will create thousands of training opportunities and boost economic growth in the capital.

LEP, the strategic body responsible for regeneration, employment and skills, approved a package of proposals from all 32 London boroughs and the City of London for stimulating jobs and growth at their meeting last week.

The plans will see 130,000 square metres of public space regenerated; 180,000 square metres of workspace developed; more than 6,600 Londoners helped into work and get 720 businesses started.

The projects form part of the LEP New Homes Bonus Programme which will be funded through a grant paid by central government to councils when there is an increase in homes in their local areas.

The initiatives, which will start in April 2015, have been developed by boroughs, in partnership with the London Enterprise Panel, the Greater London Authority and London Councils.

The Mayor of London and chairman of the London Enterprise Panel, Boris Johnson, said: “This important scheme will mean that building vital new homes also provides our boroughs with funding to be used to create thousands of new jobs, improve infrastructure and boost skills across the capital.

“It is a good example of team work between the boroughs and the London Enterprise Panel, which will help to ensure London remains the best place to live, start a business and to invest.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ellen Forster .