Solent Local Enterprise Partnership Welcomes Government Levelling Up White Paper

Following publication of the Government’s Levelling Up White Paper, the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has reiterated its commitment to champion the Solent region and promote sustainable economic growth.

Brian Johnson, Chair of the Solent LEP, said: "We welcome the recognition of the vital contribution Local Enterprise Partnerships have made in driving economic growth, and the commitment from the Government that the Solent LEP will continue to play a vital role in supporting local businesses and the local economy.

"We are particularly pleased that the Solent features so positively in the publication, with the recognition of two significant initiatives driven by the Solent LEP, in collaboration with our partners, which will stimulate our region's economic prosperity and benefit local communities.

"Maritime UK Solent - our industry-led regional body which brings together the Solent’s maritime strengths and champions the region on a global stage has been showcased as the South East example of a private sector initiative, and the emerging Solent Freeport has been highlighted as a key driver in the region to unlock investment, create new jobs and help attract new businesses in high growth sectors.  As the nation's global gateway, the Solent Freeport is critical in ensuring that the UK can remain competitive on an international stage while providing a once in a generation opportunity to level up our important coastal communities.

"The White Paper highlights the valuable strengths of LEPs and, here in the Solent, we look forward to building on our achievements and collaborations with our partners in business, education and local government to champion the region and deliver the Government's Levelling Up ambitions."

Maritime UK Solent is the regional sector-based cluster and employer representative body, backed by the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership and working with Maritime UK nationally to bring together the Solent region’s maritime strengths and assets to champion the region as a globally significant maritime cluster.

Anne-Marie Mountifield, Chair of Maritime UK Solent and Chief Executive for the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership said: "We established Maritime UK Solent to represent and promote this significant business cluster on a world stage and help realise its full potential.   It will play a key role in the future prosperity of our region and to levelling up our important coastal communities - as highlighted in the Government's White Paper - through encouraging investment, driving innovation, pioneering green technology and providing skills opportunities for our young people to thrive."