The Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has been commissioned by Berkshire’s local authorities to support the development of a new strategic economic plan for Berkshire, and to manage the legacy programme of growth deal capital investments.
Through reaching this agreement, Berkshire LEP said it is well-positioned to continue to deliver comprehensive business, careers education and skills support services to the area, as well as driving and supporting other activity which will help to ensure Berkshire’s economic potential is delivered in a sustainable and inclusive way.
Bob Beveridge, chair of Berkshire LEP, said: “We are delighted to affirm our ongoing commitment to the Berkshire region and its economic advancement.
“Our unique role remains as a catalyst for regional growth and prosperity, empowering local businesses with valuable advice, financial resources, and future-ready skills.”
Since its inception in December 2011, Berkshire LEP has been instrumental in delivering £204 million of capital investments across 97 infrastructure projects in Berkshire.
Leveraging an additional £125 million of private investment, these endeavours have been informed by robust economic evidence and intelligence, culminating in the development of strategic plans such as the Strategic Economic Plan, Berkshire Local Industrial Strategy, and the Berkshire Recovery and Renewal Plan, most recently updated with A New Start for Berkshire in November 2023.
This year, the LEP has delivered a £1.5 million Skills Bootcamps programme to over 300 individuals to meet local skills needs, and is ranked third in the Skills Bootcamps delivery league table.
In addition, Berkshire LEP’s work with the Careers Enterprise Company (CEC) has allowed its Careers Hub to support the majority of middle and secondary schools within Berkshire, to help ensure excellence in strategic careers and enterprise education and build a strong network of Enterprise Advisers.
“We remain committed to delivering a diverse array of initiatives tailored to the needs and aspirations of Berkshire,” added Alison Webster, CEO of Berkshire LEP.
“Our established structures and provisions, including the Berkshire growth hub, Berkshire careers hub, and skills bootcamps, will continue to serve as vital resources for our community.”
