Find more information on the creation of local enterprise partnerships (LEPs) by the UK Government and a selection of links to regional development agencies (RDAs) in the UK.
Local enterprise partnerships
The Coalition Government laid out its plans to replace regional development agencies (RDAs) in England with local enterprise partnerships (LEPs) in the Local Growth White Paper in October 2010.
The Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS) website provides detailed information on the ongoing process of creating LEPs in England, including a list of approved LEPs and their contact details.
BIS has made available a one-off start up fund for LEPs of £5m for 2011-12 and a £4 million capacity fund over four years, as announced in the press release Local growth moves up a gear as Business Minister announces growth package for local enterprise partnerships on 12 May 2011. The press release also announced the creation of a LEP toolbox which "provides information on economic development activity across government departments, sets out possible avenues for LEP/Government cooperation" and provides contact details for LEP relationship managers.
Regional development agencies
Regional development agencies in England will cease to exist beyond March 2012. During this transitional period, we will continue to provide this list of RDAs.
Advantage West Midlands - the website of the Regional Development Agency for the West Midlands includes an outline of the economic strategy for the region and a page on Grants for research and development.
East of England Development Agency - the EEDA website features a section on Finance for innovation, which includes the funding and grants available.
East Midlands Development Agency - the information rich EMDA website includes the Business Support Strategy for the region, available to download from Business support and investment.
Finance Wales - part of the Finance Wales Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Welsh Assembly Government which offers a range of business finance products. The Finance Wales Group also includes the fund manager FW Capital, which invests in growing businesses in Wales as well as the North East and North West of England.
Invest Northern Ireland - Northern Ireland’s economic development agency aims to 'support business development, attract investment and stimulate a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation'.
London Development Agency - The LDA prepares the Mayor's Business Plan for London and 'supports London-wide economic development initiatives'. It is working towards programmes to support a green economy. The LDA provides investment, encouragement and support for new businesses and has a programme of education and training for employment skills.
Manchester Investment & Development Agency Service - MIDAS acts on behalf of the ten local authorities of Greater Manchester to promote and attract inward investment into the City Region. The site includes information and resources about the Manchester City Region.
Northwest Development Agency - website of the NWDA, with summaries of projects and initiatives in the region, and a comprehensive Finance for Business section
One NorthEast Online - regional development agency with focus on the North East of England. Their website includes a dedicated section on support for businesses in the region and a listing of Grants that are available.
Regen.net - website of Regeneration & Renewal, the leading regeneration magazine. The site provides information on new initiatives in community renewal, economic development and physical regeneration, contacts in the field and a comprehensive resources section. You will need to register to access some content.
Scottish Enterprise - providing business advice and support for businesses in Scotland. The section Grow your business includes links to grants and business finance.
South East England Development Agency - SEEDA supports economic development in the South East and provides strategic advice and practical support for businesses in the region. The section on helping businesses includes links to business investment grants and grants for research and development.
South West of England Regional Development Agency - the South West England Information Gateway includes information on sources of financial assistance available to companies seeking to relocate or establish business in the South West. Information is additionally available on inward investment, regeneration and on a range of topical business issues.
Yorkshire Forward - website of the regional development agency for the Yorkshire & Humber region. The site details the regional development strategies and supplies in-depth business information. The Helping businesses page includes information on regional grants and loans available to businesses.
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