A CHIEF executive has extolled the importance of Hampshire Chamber’s role in a £118 million Local Growth Fund.

Kathy Slack, of Enterprise M3, told business leaders she feels it is vital for the Chamber to be involved as a strategic business-led partner for spending priorities in Hampshire.

Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) leader Mrs Slack has been tasked with leading economic growth across central and north Hampshire.

Speaking to an audience at a Hampshire Chamber dinner at Lainston House Hotel, Mrs Slack said: “It’s all about working in partnership.

“My message is that we have listened to what businesses have been saying and we have lobbied hard for funding in our area. We particularly value talking to member businesses that are active in the Chamber because of their combined importance in helping to improve the economy.”

She outlined how the LEP’s £118 million Local Growth Fund money, announced in July 2014, was being invested to improve core areas such as skills, transport, infrastructure, enterprise and innovation.

Mrs Slack also explained how the LEP was working with businesses and further education colleges to create and develop skills centres.

Hampshire Chamber chief executive Stewart Dunn said: “We work very closely with both the Enterprise M3 and Solent LEPs in Hampshire. Kathy is one of the major players in securing government investment for our regional economy and it was interesting and insightful to hear her discuss LEP priorities.”