The Prime Minister, Theresa May, has met with business leaders from England’s Local Enterprise Partnerships, including Cumbria LEP.

The meeting with LEP chairs was to track progress on their work with government to boost economic growth for communities across the country.

The Prime Minister heard from business leaders representing each of the LEPs across England, including those in the Northern Powerhouse. LEP chairs briefed the Prime Minister on the development of their Local Industrial Strategies, which are intended to unlock local growth.

They also covered updates on the timelines for delivering the Local Industrial Strategies, engagement with SMEs and rural communities, progress against the Grand Challenges identified in the Government’s Industrial Strategy and discussion around the latest business intelligence from across the country ahead of the UK’s departure from the EU.

Mrs May said: “Local Enterprise Partnerships have a vital role to play in delivering our modern industrial strategy. Working closely with government, their leadership is helping make sure businesses thrive as we prepare to leave the European Union.

“I was pleased to hear directly from LEP representatives how they are bringing together the local business community, universities and other partners to design long-term, ambitious plans tailored to the strengths and needs of their areas.

“Using their unique insight and expertise to co-develop Local Industrial Strategies, LEPs are boosting economic growth, securing jobs and delivering prosperity – making sure that no community is left behind.”

Cumbria LEP Chair Lord Inglewood said: “This was a productive meeting with the Prime Minister and key Government officials which gave us the chance to explain the impact that our Local Industrial Strategies will have on LEPs’ economic areas, and importantly how we will meet the ‘grand challenges’ which have been set out. The underlying message we’ve been able to take away is that it’s very clear that the Government sees the Cumbria LEP as an integral part of their system for delivering inclusive, economic growth across the country.”