Solent LEP Launches Call for Projects to Boost Economic Growth

The Solent LEP Chairman and Chief Executive have today sent an open letter to organisations across the Solent calling for transformational growth projects that will allow the area to compete for funding with the Northern Powerhouse.

The call is seeking to identify projects which will deliver transformational change to the Solent economy and, projects identified through the process, will form the basis of future LEP bids if further funding opportunities come forward following the Government's Spending Review in late November 2015.

The call for projects is part of the Solent LEPs work to update the Strategic Economic Plan for the area and build on the £151.9m Solent Growth Deal, announced in 2014, which will deliver 6,000 jobs and 11,000 new homes in the area.

Projects are encouraged from all organisations with an interest in driving growth, productivity and innovation in the Solent and the LEP is specifically seeking projects which will;

• Unlock sites for housing and employment
• Improve our connectivity within the Solent and beyond
• Stimulate and support innovation
• Improve the skills and talent of our current and future workforce
• Support business growth through access to resources and advice
• Support key strategic sectors

The call comes in advance of the Solent LEPs Annual Growth Conference, expected to take place in January 2016.

A full copy of the letter is available here.

Organisations with growth proposals should submit these to the LEP by 12 November.

Further information on how to submit a proposal and a copy of the Expression of Interest form to complete, can be found below:

Solent Local Growth Fund Guidance Document

Solent Local Growth Fund Expression of Interest Form