Business Secretary Vince Cable is to meet West business leaders on a high-profile visit to the region later this month to discuss the role of Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs).
The event will look at the impact of LEPs and their standing in the business community since they were launched in 2011.
West of England LEP, which covers Bath, was judged to be the country’s leading LEP in an independent assessment in September 2012.
Mr Cable’s visit is being organised by the Institute of Directors (IoD) Bristol branch in partnership with Business West, the CBI and the FSB. It is being hosted by Bristol law firm Burges Salmon at The Engine Shed, in the Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone at Temple Meads, on April 17.
Bristol IoD chairman Tom McCarthy said: “We’ll be asking key questions such as: What makes an effective LEP? What is their purpose? What has their impact been? How do they differ from the RDAs they replaced?
“IoD members are eager to be clear about the thinking behind the LEPs, the challenges they face, the effects they’ll have on business and how they are helping the region’s economy.”
Joining the Business Secretary will be West of England LEP chair Colin Skellett who will share his views on progress and future prospects. There will also be a Q&A session for delegates.
A private meeting with Mr Cable, pictured, will follow for around 20 invited business leaders, LEP members and politicians. Afterwards, he will tour the Enterprise Zone.
