Solent Partners cap off successful year boosting prosperity and sustainability under the old LEP

Solent LEP has delivered a number of high-profile projects across South Hampshire and the Isle of Wight over the past year.

While the organisation has since evolved into the newly formed Solent Partners, their vision remain the same, says Chair Rachael Randall.

“Solent Partners will develop the innovative work established by the Solent LEP with partners across all sectors to support businesses, develop talent, promote Net Zero, encourage inward investment, and grow the Solent’s sector strengths.

“We’ve listened to business and recognise the strong desire to retain a focus on the Solent economy, ensuring that the distinctiveness of our great coastal economy receives the spotlight it deserves in a competitive investment environment.”

This past year has seen the introduction of the Enterprise Advisors programme to connect businesses with the region’s educators and support students in developing their skills.

2023 was also about inspiring young people, whether through the ‘Start Small, Dream Big’ webinars for primary school pupils, or the very first Solent Coding Day for students aged 9 to 13.

Meanwhile, the new Solent Skills Bootcamps received £1.2 million funding from the Department for Education to help adults 19 and over build their careers.

Other milestones over the past 12 months include the establishment of the TechSolent partnership, the launch of CREATE Solent and the ongoing development of the Solent Cultural Plan alongside Arts Council England.

Solent Partners were also pleased to see The Solent Cluster gain a host of new partners, making it the largest group of its kind in the country.

Rachael added: “The Solent Cluster is testament to our soft power – that we are the trusted, neutral, founding partner, sought by industry to progress a lower carbon economy in the South.

“I know that, together, we’ll make sure the Solent economy secures the recognition it needs to play a critical role in the emergence of the Central South region and the growth of the UK economy.

“I’m very much looking forward to continuing to work in partnership across the region, attracting investment and delivering initiatives which will benefit our local economy and communities for years to come.”

• solentpartners.com

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