Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is pleased to announce its continued dedication to fostering economic growth and prosperity in the Berkshire region.

Following confirmation in August 2023 of the Government’s decision to transfer responsibility for LEP core functions to upper-tier local authorities, Berkshire Leaders’ Group has commissioned Berkshire LEP to support the development of a new Strategic Economic Plan for Berkshire and manage the legacy programme of Growth Deal capital investments.

Berkshire LEP has played a key part in the growth and prosperity of the region, covering Bracknell Forest, Reading, Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead, Slough, West Berkshire and Wokingham local authority areas, creating jobs, boosting skills and helping businesses to thrive.

Through reaching this agreement, Berkshire LEP is well-positioned to continue to deliver comprehensive business, careers education and skills support services to the area, as well as driving and supporting other activity which will help to ensure Berkshire’s economic potential is delivered in a sustainable and inclusive way, benefitting businesses, communities and the environment.

“Berkshire LEP was set up as a company limited by guarantee, so in many ways there is no change in terms of company structure or our close relationship with our partner local authorities. We are delighted to affirm our ongoing commitment to the Berkshire region and its economic advancement," said Bob Beveridge, Chair of Berkshire LEP. 

“Our unique role remains as a catalyst for regional growth and prosperity, empowering local businesses with valuable advice, financial resources, and future-ready skills.”

Delivering Capital Investment

Since its inception in December 2011, Berkshire LEP has been instrumental in delivering £204 million of capital investments across 97 infrastructure projects in Berkshire. Leveraging an additional £125 million of private investment, these endeavours have been informed by robust economic evidence and intelligence, culminating in the development of strategic plans such as the Strategic Economic Plan, Berkshire Local Industrial Strategy, and the Berkshire Recovery and Renewal Plan, most recently updated with A New Start for Berkshire in November 2023.

Supporting Local Businesses

With a track record of major delivery – which includes delivering the Department for Business and Trade Growth Hub contract which between October 2014 and March last year has supported over 7,878 local businesses; establishing the Berkshire Funding Escalator which to date has invested £19.42m in 97 businesses, created or safeguarded 1395 jobs and leveraged £56.91m private investment.

Upskilling the Workforce

This year the LEP has delivered a £1.5 million Skills Bootcamps programme to over 300 individuals to meet local skills needs and is ranked 3rd in the Skills Bootcamps delivery league table.

Enabling Excellence in Careers Advice & Engaging Tomorrow’s Talent

In addition, Berkshire LEP’s work with the Careers Enterprise Company (CEC) has allowed our Careers Hub to support the majority of middle and secondary schools within Berkshire to help ensure excellence in strategic careers and enterprise education and build a strong network of Enterprise Advisers.

Alison Webster, CEO of Berkshire LEP added:

"We remain committed to delivering a diverse array of initiatives tailored to the needs and aspirations of Berkshire...Our established structures and provisions, including the Berkshire Growth Hub, Berkshire Careers Hub, and Skills Bootcamps, will continue to serve as vital resources for our community and we are confident our stakeholders and those businesses supported by Berkshire LEP will see no disruption to our services.”

Alison concluded: "As Berkshire LEP transitions into this new phase we are extremely well-positioned to continue to foster sustainable economic growth, driving innovation, and supporting businesses to thrive in Berkshire.”

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