A GROUP that collaborates with business, local government and academia to promote economic growth has received confirmation that its funding will transfer from central to local government from 1 April.
Berkshire LEP focuses on accelerating sustainable and economic expansion, job creation and raising workforce skills within Berkshire.
The organisation says it welcomes the clarity from government ministers.
Alison Webster, Chief Executive at Berkshire LEP said: “We have been planning for this
outcome for over 12 months.
“It puts us in a favourable position for continuing business as usual.
“We are continuing to successfully deliver and retain our high-quality programmes, such as the Careers and Enterprise Company (CEC), Berkshire Growth Hub, and skills bootcamps.”
Since December 2011, Berkshire LEP has delivered £204m of capital investments in 97 Berkshire projects, and leveraged an additional £125m of private investment.
This has enabled development and regeneration in Berkshire’s main towns, upgrades to seven railway stations, and the creation of a new station at Reading Green Park.
Berkshire’s Further Education colleges have received investment for skills projects and improvements to more than 5000 sqm of floorspace.
Upgrades have also been carried out to digital infrastructure, including installation of superfast broadband across Berkshire, and fibre optic connections to 60 schools.
Ms Webster said: “We look forward to working closely with our delivery partners and local authorities during this period of transition, as government embarks on its pathway to greater local devolution.
“This is an exciting time for Berkshire LEP.
“We will continue to provide leadership for a connected, collaborative, skilled Berkshire economy, and to deliver growth in our area, which is one of the UK’s economic powerhouses”.
For information about Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership, visit: www.thamesvalleyberkshire.co.uk
