Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership

Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership
Name	Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership
Formation	2010
Type	Local Enterprise Partnership
Location	Birmingham, Solihull
Region served	West Midlands (county), Warwickshire, Worcestershire
Leader title	Chair
Leader name	Tim Pile
Parent organization	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership is a Local Enterprise Partnership that covers the West Midlands (county), Warwickshire, and Worcestershire regions, with a focus on Birmingham and Solihull. The partnership aims to promote economic growth and regeneration in the area, working with organizations such as the University of Birmingham, Aston University, and the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce. The partnership also collaborates with neighboring Local Enterprise Partnerships, including the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership and the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, to drive regional development and investment, as seen in projects like the Birmingham New Street railway station redevelopment and the Midland Metro expansion.

Introduction

The Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership is a key player in the region's economic development, working closely with stakeholders such as the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, the Federation of Small Businesses, and the Confederation of British Industry. The partnership's efforts are supported by organizations like the West Midlands Combined Authority, the Birmingham City Council, and the Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, which provide funding and resources for initiatives like the Birmingham Big City Plan and the Solihull Local Plan. The partnership also engages with national bodies, including the Department for Transport, the Department for Education, and the Department for International Trade, to access funding and expertise for projects like the High Speed 2 rail link and the Birmingham Airport expansion.

History

The Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership was established in 2010, following the abolition of the Regional Development Agencies by the Coalition Government. The partnership built on the work of its predecessor, Advantage West Midlands, and has since worked to develop a strong economy in the region, with support from organizations like the European Investment Bank, the European Regional Development Fund, and the Heritage Lottery Fund. The partnership has also collaborated with other Local Enterprise Partnerships, such as the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership and the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Local Enterprise Partnership, to share best practices and drive regional growth, as seen in initiatives like the Midlands Engine and the Northern Powerhouse.

Structure and Governance

The Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership is governed by a board of directors, which includes representatives from the private sector, local authorities, and other stakeholders, such as the Birmingham City University, the University College Birmingham, and the Solihull College. The partnership is chaired by Tim Pile, who has experience in business and economic development, having worked with organizations like the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia and the Australian Industry Group. The partnership's structure and governance are designed to ensure that it is accountable to its stakeholders and that it delivers on its objectives, with support from organizations like the National Audit Office, the Public Accounts Committee, and the House of Commons Library.

Economic Strategy

The Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership has developed an economic strategy that focuses on driving growth and investment in the region, with a particular emphasis on sectors like advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and creative industries. The partnership works with organizations like the Institute of Directors, the Federation of Small Businesses, and the Confederation of British Industry to support businesses and entrepreneurs, and to promote the region as a destination for investment, as seen in initiatives like the Birmingham Business Park and the Solihull Business Park. The partnership also collaborates with national bodies, including the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the Department for International Trade, and the UK Trade and Investment, to access funding and expertise for projects like the Birmingham Enterprise Zone and the Solihull Enterprise Zone.

Projects and Initiatives

The Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership has delivered a range of projects and initiatives to support economic growth and regeneration in the region, including the redevelopment of Birmingham New Street railway station and the expansion of the Midland Metro. The partnership has also invested in initiatives like the Birmingham Big City Plan and the Solihull Local Plan, which aim to promote sustainable development and growth in the region, with support from organizations like the Royal Town Planning Institute, the Chartered Institute of Housing, and the Institution of Civil Engineers. The partnership has also worked with stakeholders like the Birmingham City University, the University College Birmingham, and the Solihull College to develop skills and training programs, such as the Apprenticeship Levy and the National Careers Service.

Geography and Coverage

The Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership covers a geographic area that includes the West Midlands (county), Warwickshire, and Worcestershire regions, with a focus on Birmingham and Solihull. The partnership's coverage area includes a range of urban and rural areas, from the city centers of Birmingham and Solihull to the rural areas of Warwickshire and Worcestershire. The partnership works with stakeholders like the Ordnance Survey, the Office for National Statistics, and the UK Geographical Information System to understand the geography and demographics of the region, and to develop initiatives that meet the needs of different areas, such as the Birmingham Green Commission and the Solihull Sustainability Strategy. The partnership also collaborates with neighboring Local Enterprise Partnerships, including the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership and the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, to drive regional development and investment, as seen in projects like the M42 motorway and the M6 motorway upgrades.

Category:Local Enterprise Partnerships in England