The board of the Swindon & Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership met with a government minister this week to discuss economy and jobs.
Mark Prisk MP (pictured) was in the region after a visit to the Honda factory and met with key business leaders during his trip.
In a closed meeting with the LEP board, the Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS) Minister talked about government support for growth and job creation in the area.
Paul Johnson, chair of the Swindon & Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership, welcomed the Minister to Swindon and gave a brief overview of the LEP, its priorities and progress so far. "This was an important opportunity to showcase the economic potential of our region and get support for our ideas to boost growth, create jobs and new business opportunities," Mr Johnson said.
"There was a genuine exchange of views and he has taken away some big issues to discuss with the government. He seemed genuinely interested in the direction we are heading and the things we want to do in Swindon & Wiltshire.”
Key topics of discussion included:
• the importance of improving key transport links – both road & rail
• bids to the Regional Growth Fund – four bids totalling over £33m have been submitted from the area with the LEP submitting its own proposal for a £25m revolving infrastructure fund
• economic potential of the Military presence (Lyneham, Salisbury Plain) and the Life Sciences sector
• strategic Business Case for the Porton Down Science Park within the South Wiltshire research triangle
The Board also outlined the challenges facing businesses in the area:
• Employability
• Shortage of STEM-based skills in the emerging workforce
• Apprenticeships designed for ‘new economy’ businesses
• Improving access to Higher Education & Research & Development facilities
• Better interaction between schools and businesses
• Better integration of government policies across the 13 -19 age ranges
The Board hopes to receive a response back from Mark Prisk on the business case for Porton Down Science Park.
