• Swindon & Wiltshire Economy
• Monday March 25 2024
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Wiltshire Council to take over business support functions from Local Enterprise Partnership

Almost exactly a year after the government announced it was ending the funding of LEPs, Wiltshire Council has confirmed it will be taking over all of the functions previously delivered by the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership.

The move means the council will be responsible for a wide range of services ranging from the delivery of economic strategy to support for SMEs through the Growth Hub service in both Wiltshire and in Swindon, which is run by a unitary authority.

The change will come into force in a week’s time – on April 1.

LEPs were established in 2011 as public-private sector initiatives. They replaced regional development agencies, which were abolished in 2012.

In the 2023 Spring Budget, chancellor Jeremy Hunt sounded the death knell for LEPs, announcing he was “minded to withdraw government support,” returning budgets and powers to local councils.

Since its inception, SWLEP has been key in drawing down money from central government and – until Brexit – the European Union to invest in infrastructure projects.

Major projects in which the LEP has been involved include improvements to the M4 at Junction 16 and 17, improvements to the A350 Chippenham bypass, the development of Porton Science Park and the Business Cyber Centre, and the redevelopment of the Mansion House, Corsham to create an incubation space for businesses working within the digital or innovation sectors.

‘Very much business as usual’

Cllr Richard Clewer, leader of Wiltshire Council and cabinet member for economic development, said: “This is an important step forward for business support in both Wiltshire and Swindon, as we take responsibly for all functions currently offered by the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership (SWLEP) from April 1.

“We are working hard to make this transition as smooth as possible, and initially businesses throughout both Wiltshire and Swindon should see no changes to the services offered.

“It will be very much business as usual, with Wiltshire Council, Swindon Borough Council and SWLEP all committed to working together to deliver for businesses in Wiltshire and Swindon over the coming year.

“We have committed to a thriving economy in our Business Plan, and this will help us to deliver not just for the people and businesses of Wiltshire, but in Swindon, too.

“We are looking forward to an exciting and prosperous future for businesses in Wiltshire and Swindon.”

Swindon’s economy ‘bouncing back’

Cllr Jim Robbins, leader of Swindon Borough Council, said: “We are looking forward to working closely with Wiltshire Council to ensure that businesses in Swindon and the wider county continue to receive the support they need to grow and be successful.

“Swindon’s economy has shown remarkable resilience and is bouncing back strongly during the current recession as evidenced by Panattoni’s £900m investment in the town. We are also seeing significant investment in our town centre and within the wider Borough.

“But it is important we help smaller businesses and start-ups and continue the LEP’s important work with the Careers Hub so we prepare and help our students on their journey into work.”

Swindon and Wiltshire remains a world class place to work

SWLEP chairman Paul Moorby OBE said: “Our core remit within SWLEP is to promote the sustainable growth of the local economy, to promote opportunities for our businesses, large and small, throughout Swindon and Wiltshire.  We have always enjoyed a strong and vibrant relationship with both our Local Authorities.

“We recently completed a major review of the work that we undertake. In particular, we looked at how local government services, business support and funding have evolved over the last decade.

“Swindon and Wiltshire remains a world class place to live, to study and to work and we are delighted that our work with local businesses will continue under the new structure.

“This strategic alignment is intended to bolster the local economy of both council areas whilst continuing to support the sustained growth and success of local businesses.”

Pictured: The Business Cyber Centre, a SWLEP initiative which has been the organisation’s home in recent years

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