LEP launches map to showcase region to Westminster

The West of England LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership) is set to unveil a new reference tool for regional business champions and national politicians, setting out the region’s strengths, success stories and future opportunities.

The document, which combines a highly impactful map and concise policy document, was launched on Monday 9 March 2015 at Bristol’s Engine Shed.

It was also launched at the House of Commons to a national audience including the region’s MPs and other key government figures.

Both events will see a giant version of the map unveiled and speeches from the LEP’s chair and deputy chair, Colin Skellett and Cllr Paul Crossley.

Also speaking will be a highly successful West of England digital SME business owner, Nick Davies, the CEO and founder of Neighbourly, the social network transforming the way that companies contribute to community causes.

The map, entitled ‘West of England – home of Knowledge, Innovation and Quality of Life’, sets out to show how the region is currently leading the UK in these areas.

It also outlines the future opportunities and the LEP’s role in delivering this economic growth in the region that covers Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

In the last year, the West of England LEP has secured a total of £230.7m from the Government in Growth Deal funding for key projects in transport, infrastructure and business support to support its Strategic Economic Plan for 2015-2030.

Colin Skellett, Chair of the West of England LEP, comments: “The West of England contributes more to the UK’s GDP than any region outside of London and the South East.

“As a LEP we’ve broken new ground in the way industry, the public sector and academia work together and we have created a dynamic partnership with solid governance in place to deliver sustainable economic growth.

“This new map is a clear, visual representation of just what makes the West of England such a great place to live and work and the future opportunities the region offers for UK plc.”