Local Enterprise Partnership welcomes Assisted Areas Map Consultation

The Heart of the South West (HotSW) Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has warmly welcomed the Government announcement today regarding the 2014-2020 Assisted Areas Map Consultation.

The consultation will determine which locations across the UK are eligible to receive additional economic support from the EU.

Chris Garcia, Chief Executive of the Heart of the South West said: “This is an important achievement for our partnership.  The process for allocating European Funds was a huge disappointment and our area suffered as a result, receiving far fewer funds than expected.

“As a result, we have stepped up our pressure on Whitehall and worked with local authorities and other stakeholders to put the case for greater injections of European funds to address the disparities across our area. Plymouth, Torbay and North Devon are working hard to realise their economic potential, but the cliff edge effect of Cornwall means that it’s much harder for businesses to be competitive.

“This designation will help unlock vital cash for these areas and will encourage economic growth throughout our communities.”

For more information about the work of the Heart of the South West LEP, visit www.heartofswlep.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

For more information, contact Liz Waugh or Emma Parker Reynolds at Coast Communications on 01752 847135 / 07944 360631 / 07966 388921

Heart of the South West

The Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has been formed under the leadership of the private sector supported by the local authorities from Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay and the area’s District Councils. It is one of 39 partnerships created since the Government’s Local Growth White Paper published in October 2010. More information about the work of the LEP is available from the website www.heartofswlep.co.uk.