Businesses across Kent and Medway are being urged to give their views on the Government’s proposed Industrial Strategy by the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP).
The consultation on the Industrial Strategy lasts until April 17 and companies can comment on the importance of any of its ten pillars to the successful growth of their business and the country’s economy.
They are:
- Investing in science, research and innovation
- Developing skills
- Upgrading infrastructure
- Supporting businesses to start and grow
- Improving procurement
- Encouraging trade and inward investment policy
- Delivering affordable energy and clean growth
- Cultivating world-leading sectors
- Driving growth across the whole country
- Creating the right institutions to bring together sectors and places
“It is vital that South East businesses tell Government what they believe should be the focus of interventions and priorities, as we get close to leaving the European Union,” said Christian Brodie, Chairman of SELEP.
“If we are to ensure our transition away from the single market is as smooth as possible, and we capitalise on the commercial opportunities it might present, we need to have a national strategy for the growth of our manufacturing and service economies that has been influenced and designed by business.”
SELEP is working closely with its partners across the area including the Kent and Medway Economic Partnership and business representatives, such as Chambers of Commerce, Institute of Directors and the FSB, plus county, unitary and district councils.
SELEP is also refreshing its Strategic Economic Plan to reflect major changes that have taken place since it was written three years ago, including the EU referendum result and major investments that have been made, as well as aligning it with the Industrial Strategy and the Government’s Housing White Paper.
“It is crucial to ensure our Strategic Economic Plan is up to date and reflects the national economic context and the south east’s position and importance within that,” said Christian Brodie.
SELEP champions the economic growth of and the area’s 344,500-strong business community. It is the country’s largest LEP in terms of the area it covers, and has a population in excess of 4 million.
To have your say on the Industrial Strategy, visit the Government site.
Information and more details of the Industrial Strategy can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pm-unveils-plans-for-a-modern-industrial-strategy-fit-for-global-britain.