Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP)

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Press release

Growing Places Infrastructure Fund (GPIF) boosted in the Budget to £9.4 million

Thursday 29 March 2012

The Swindon and Wiltshire LEP were delighted with the announcement in last week’s Budget that a further £3.04 million has been allocated to the Partnership’s GPIF for investment in capital projects that can kick-start further growth in Wiltshire & Swindon to bring the total available to just under £9.4 million.

The Partnership recently launched this revolving capital infrastructure fund and are hoping to receive proposals from businesses or other consortia seeking to bring forward stalled projects that can deliver growth, jobs and new business opportunities. The fund will invest repayable grants in schemes that meet the criteria – the intention being that the funds can be re-cycled over and over again to drive economic growth in a sustained way over the medium/long term.

The current round closes for applications on Thursday 31 May 2012.

The Prospectus for the Fund can be found on the LEP web-site – www.swlep.biz All applications will need to be submitted electronically and the application form will be provided, upon request, by e.mail from the LEP Secretariat: secretariat@swlep.biz

Paul Johnson, chair of Wiltshire and Swindon LEP, said:

"It’s clear that the government sees the LEP network as an important delivery partner for economic growth in England. I’m delighted that we have the confidence of Ministers in what we’re trying to achieve for Swindon & Wiltshire. The LEP Board are looking forward to receiving strong and existing proposals that can be delivered quickly. We want to be signing contracts this year for projects that can kick-start our economy straight away, helping us achieve our goals of job growth and wealth creation by providing new business opportunities and infrastructure that will benefit all those living and working in Wiltshire & Swindon”.

Swindon & Wiltshire LEP responds to Great Western Rail franchise consultation

Thursday 29 March 2012

The Swindon and Wiltshire LEP has added its weight to the debate around the future of the passenger rail franchise for the South West as it will have a significant impact on the economic prospects for Swindon & Wiltshire. Running from April 2013, the new 15 year franchise will cover a period where significant economic and population growth is predicted for Wiltshire & Swindon – and the area needs a rail service that can meet the demand that will arise from that growth.

The Partnership are pleased with progress being made in terms of additional rolling stock for the main line and electrification, but needs both Network Rail and the new franchisee to do more if the transport infrastructure is to become an enabler, rather than barrier, to growth. Key areas of concern in terms of the economy include:-

• A direct Western rail link to Heathrow T5;
• Overcrowding and the exacerbation of this during the up-grade to electrification;
• Better use of the Westbury hub;
• The unfairness of the current rail fare structure – users west of Didcot are penalised under the current system;
• Improvement in regional rail services – specifically North/South via Swindon. The current focus on Reading and Bristol overlooks the significant customer base in Swindon & Wiltshire – expected to grow strongly over the next 25 years;
• New stations to accommodate the predicted growth in population – Corsham, Devizes, Royal Wootton Bassett (Lyneham) and Swindon (Kemble line).

Paul Johnson, chair of Wiltshire and Swindon LEP, said:

"It’s clear from our research evidence that the transport infrastructure – rail and road – will have a significant impact on our ability as a LEP to support and drive the economy of Swindon & Wiltshire. Many of the issues highlighted above have come directly from businesses located in the area – it’s clear that the limitations of the current franchise arrangements are holding back potential investment, and that has to change. We are working closely with our core partners to present a strong case for change and have joined forces with our neighbouring LEPS to present a strategic message about the critical importance of excellent East/West transport corridors".

The Executive Summary of the consultation document can be found on the LEP website – www.swlep.biz. Electronic copies of the full consultation can be provided, on request, by the Secretariat by e.mail: secretariat@swlep.biz.

Swindon & Wiltshire LEP secures Government funding to support Rural Jobs and Business

Thursday 22 March 2012

A funding package of up to £4 million has been put together to help create and support up to 450 new rural businesses in Wiltshire and Swindon following an announcement yesterday as part of the government’s budget.

The Swindon and Wiltshire Local Economic Partnership (LEP) has successfully bid to initiate a Rural Growth Network pilot which will, alongside supporting rural businesses, pay particular attention to helping military personnel and their spouses start up new businesses. The scheme is designed to create more than 200 jobs within its first three years, and then become self-funding. Up to £2m from the government will be match-funded by money secured by Wiltshire Council, which includes nearly £1m from Europe.

In addition to increasing the capacity of the Castledown Incubation Centre in Ludgershall, the programme intends to develop further workspace and incubation units at various locations, including Wootton Bassett, North Bradley (near Trowbridge) and Wroughton. The Castledown Incubation Centre in Ludgershall will be used as a hub to link the centres with state-of-the-art remote access. The facilities will provide start-up businesses with hot desks, broadband and ICT provision, web-based services, and special training and advisors.

The project is designed to provide jobs for both the wider rural community and military leavers and dependents of military personnel as they share similar needs.

The sites have been chosen to facilitate access and business support for people leaving the military but who wish to stay in the area, and spouses of military personnel who often have limited access to the local job market. The military communities in Wiltshire make up nearly 10% of its population. It is hoped the pilot will then be rolled out across the country, specifically where there is a large military presence.

The LEP will now be working with the government and local communities to develop their proposal further.

Paul Johnson, chair of Wiltshire and Swindon LEP, said:

"I am delighted with the success of our application which provides an innovative approach for rural growth and is an early demonstration of the effectiveness of the recently formed Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership.As well as understanding the shape and needs of our local economy, the partnership was able to quickly coordinate resources to deliver an impressive and compelling bid for DEFRA funding. We are delighted that the Government has recognised the strength of our proposals and named Swindon & Wiltshire as one of just six successful local enterprise partnerships selected to receive funding to initiate rural growth pilot schemes.

We have set ourselves ambitious plans for business growth and job creation throughout the county of Wiltshire, this pilot project gives us an impressive early boost in supporting our rural community business agenda."

Jane Scott, leader of Wiltshire Council, said:

“Our rural and military communities share common issues in terms of relative isolation, access to business support and services which this project aims to address. It also reflects our success over the past few years of working with the Armed Forces stationed throughout rural Wiltshire, understanding the needs of their personnel and dependents and enabling them to make Wiltshire their home.“

Brigadier Piers Hankinson of 43 Wessex Brigade said:

“This is excellent news and builds on our Wiltshire Military/Civilian Integration Partnership and we (the Army) look forward to developing this bid together with our partners for everyone’s benefits.”

Details of the scheme will be posted on the LEP website as soon as the proposal is finalised – www.swlep.biz. More information on support for Rural businesses can be found on the DEFRA web-site

The Swindon & Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership was approved by government in August 2011 and the Board ratified by BIS/CLG Ministers in February 2012. It is a public/private partnership that is tasked with driving economic growth, wealth & job creation and supporting new business opportunities. The Board is business-led and has thirteen members, including the Chair. Nine are from the private sector, with the other four members drawn from the most significant public sector organisations.

Wiltshire Council are the Accountable Body for the ‘Growing Places’ Infrastructure Fund and Forward Swindon is the Fund Manager providing technical advice to the LEP Board.

For more general information on the work of the Swindon & Wiltshire LEP please visit the web-site or contact the Secretariat: Steve Richards

Email: steve.richards@swlep.biz

Telephone: 07748 658230

Last updated: 3 April 2012