16/10/13

Dorset LEP Conference: Focusing on our future

Almost 400 delegates from businesses across the region came together to focus on the future growth of Dorset’s economy at the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership’s first conference (Friday 11th October). The Lord Lieutenant of Dorset as well as MP's Robert Syms and Annette Brook were also in attendance, along with the Mayors of both Bournemouth and Poole.

As well as reflecting upon the achievements of the Dorset LEP since its formation in 2012, business leaders heard about plans for the future direction of the Dorset LEP, how it is achieving economic growth in the county, and how they can benefit & get involved.

Gordon Page, Chair of the Partnership, reminded delegates of the achievements so far, highlighting over £50million of government funding attracted and allocated by the LEP for the benefit of Dorset, focusing on broadband, transport infrastructure, business growth and tourism.  He reported expecting a further £40million of EU funding and a share of the Government’s annual £5billion allocated to LEPs for the next five years, to be forthcoming for activities from 2014-2020.

Keynote speaker Caroline Dinenage MP spoke of her work as one of the Government’s Small Business Ambassadors.  In this position, she is able to listen to small businesses and represent them in Westminster to help shape Government policy.  ‘Reducing red tape’ was a key theme, and she urged delegates to talk to her about legislation that is holding back their growth and production, so that this can be included in a Small Businesses White Paper.

Board Member Geoffrey Smith of Rockley Park addressed the conference on the theme of “Talented Dorset”.  The Employment & Skills Board is developing a Skills Strategy for the county, and consultation is now live.  Delegates were encouraged to respond to this via the LEP website (www.dorsetlep.co.uk).

James Weld of Lulworth Estate, Board Member championing the rural business community, discussed “Connected Dorset” with the conference.  Focusing on transport, broadband and mobile connection, he reported that, on top of the multi-million pound Three Towns Travel and Better Bus Area improvements in the south east of the county, £32m broadband deployment across Dorset and green travel in Weymouth, a further £90million is currently being negotiated with Government, through the City Deal bid.  This would see major improvements to the infrastructure surrounding both the Airport and Port of Poole.

Architect Terence O’Rourke, addressed the importance of “Responsive Dorset”.  He particularly highlighted the Planning Charter, negotiated by the Dorset LEP with all local planning authorities in the county to ensure the planning process supports business growth, while requiring development to be of suitable quality and type.

The conference also heard from local businessman David Ramsden, who spoke about “Competitive Dorset”, focusing on the expected growth in the digital and creative sector, and launching the LEP’s “Silicon South” initiative.

Tourism featured strongly, with Bruce Grant-Braham announcing the establishment of a county-wide body to promote Dorset, working with Visit England, particularly targeting the incoming passenger market of both cruise ships in Poole & Weymouth and by air to Bournemouth.

Construction expert and Board Member Philip Warr steered delegates through an interactive voting session to help guide the next stages of the LEP’s Strategic Economic Plan, which is due to be submitted to the Government in December, and will help determine the LEP’s access to funding streams in future.  The session explored delegates’ views on a number of topics including support for business, areas of greatest opportunity and training & apprenticeships.

The conference concluded with a question and answer session, dealing with an array of issues including support for rural-based businesses, the importance of sustainability, public transport to & from the conurbation and the availability of broadband & mobile.

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