Local business has say on Strategy for Growth (From Hampshire Chronicle)
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Basingstoke businesses has say on Enterprise M3's Strategy for Growth
9:52am Monday 4th March 2013 in Hampshire Business By Richard Garfield
Phillip Craig, from ICF GHK discussing the Strategy for Growth document
LOCAL business people had an opportunity to give their input to Enterprise M3 LEP’s draft Strategy for Growth.
A breakfast event, jointly hosted by Hampshire Chamber, was held at Central 40 at MEPC’s Chineham Park to focus on the discussion document that was published in December.
Philip Craig, from ICF GHK, who is working with Enterprise M3 on the development of the Strategy for Growth, gave an outline of the strategy, which sets out the strengths and challenges that confront businesses in the Enterprise M3 area.
The draft also contains Enterprise M3’s first thoughts on objectives, priorities and actions for the LEP to focus on in the years ahead.
Philip explained that the draft had four main areas of focus – enterprise, innovation, skills and infrastructure.
Enterprise M3 director Kathy Slack said: “This is a living document and it will change to reflect the views of business and others.”
She also spoke of the second round of the Growing Enterprise Fund that had just been launched, where there is £10million of funding available for projects in the LEP area.
The Growing Enterprise Fund was established last year by Enterprise M3 to kick start infrastructure and other projects that will drive economic growth in the mid and north Hampshire and south west Surrey areas.
Commenting on the fund, Enterprise M3 Geoff French, said: “We want to use this £10million to fund developments that will make a real difference to our local economy.
“Our aim is to create more jobs and build more houses and Enterprise M3 is looking for projects that can quickly deliver this kind of growth.
“If you have a scheme, and it could be transport, utilities, broadband, flood defences, land remediation or an innovation/enterprise centre, that is ready to go but just needs a little bit of help in getting it going, I encourage you to contact us immediately.
“We can advise you on whether your scheme is appropriate for the funding and signpost you to possible help in moving your project forward.”
Those wishing to discuss a potential project, or who have any further questions, should contact Rachel Barker at funding@enterprisem3. org.uk or call 01962 846310.
