General
Published: August 10, 2023 | Updated: 5th September 2023
Solent Local Enterprise Partnership has announced plans to establish the cross-sector Solent Partners, bringing together local industry, academic, and civic leaders.
Solent Partners will deliver ‘critical activity’ for local businesses and communities according to Anne-Marie Mountifield, Chief Executive of Solent LEP and newly appointed Chair of The Solent Cluster.
She said: “Through Solent Partners, we will continue to deliver for our local businesses and communities on behalf of government.
“We will also continue to deliver on our commitments to the local area, with the continuation of support for initiatives such as Maritime UK Solent.
“Solent Partners gives our area the opportunity to ensure the Solent can continue to benefit from new and exciting opportunities – including those as part of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s Powering Up Britain policy.
“Expect us to announce more details on how our local businesses can get involved in the work of Solent Partners in the near future.”
The new partnership comes as an evolution of Solent LEP, representing the broadened ambition of local partners to bring national recognition to the area.
Deputy Chair Nick Loader said: “The Solent Local Enterprise Partnership has achieved a huge amount since its formation in 2011.
“We want to ensure that the Solent can build on the success of the LEP Board to date and that the strengths of our local partnership can be retained moving forward for the benefit of all.
“Solent Partners reflects our broader, more ambitious vision for the Solent, and will enable us to continue to work collectively to achieve the vision set out in our Solent 2050 strategy”
Key to the Solent Partners vision is a low carbon economy, with the group looking to make the Solent region a national leader in sustainable industry practice.
Cllr Satvir Kaur, Leader of Southampton City Council, added: “For centuries the Solent has flourished as the UK’s coastal powerhouse.
“Our region is exceptionally placed to be at the vanguard of environmental innovation as part of the pathway to net zero, leading the way in strengthening UK competitiveness on a global stage.”
