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Local Enterprise Partnership

Innovative proposals for a private sector-led Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership were submitted to the government on 6 September.

The Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA) has drawn up proposals for a business-led LEP which will help drive economic growth and ensure the region’s residents can benefit from, and contribute to, success.

The government announced in June that regional development agencies will be abolished and has invited local authorities to establish LEPs.

The proposals were considered by AGMA’s Executive Board , Friday 27 August, and final plans were submitted to government on Monday 6 September.

The proposals have been endorsed by AGMA’s Business Leadership Council which consists of key business figures from across Greater Manchester and have received overwhelming support from the wider business community.

Lord Peter Smith, chair of AGMA, said: "Greater Manchester already has an outstanding record of public-private partnership to develop the economy. We believe these innovative proposals will take that to the next level, building on these strong foundations and enabling the private sector to play an even more active role in securing sustainable economic growth.

"Our proposed LEP will also complement wider moves towards a devolution of powers to a Greater Manchester level, including the planned creation of a new Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

Angie Robinson, Chief Executive of Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, the largest in the UK, said: “The business community recognises the importance of being at the heart of economic decision-making process and is looking forward to engaging in the Local Enterprise Partnership. The public-private partnerships that are the way we have successfully done business in Greater Manchester ensure an excellent basis on which to build on. Business creates wealth and jobs and needs to be certain that the climate it operates in and the help it needs are the priorities for future growth.”