As the effects of COVID-19 continue to be felt deeply in our communities and our economy, the role of Local Enterprise Partnerships has never been more vital.

This year, we at the South East LEP are focusing our efforts even more on understanding the impacts on our economy, being the voice for our business community, informing Government and partners on what the South East needs and where we can, taking clear and decisive action to support businesses as they adapt and recover.

We have worked hard and identified funding which will shortly be available for business support and skills programmes. This will be used to help businesses with advice, guidance, digital improvements and finance, as well as helping people to retrain for new opportunities amid a changing economy.

Our unique partnership structure of business, higher and further education, the third sector and local politicians means we are well-placed to affect real change for South East communities. This kind of collective voice is so crucial in aligning the needs of all to get the economy working quickly again.

We want to use our voice as loudly as possible to help those most in need at this time.

I am pleased to share with you our Statement of Intent for 2021. This outlines the South East LEP’s focuses for the year and further ahead and how we are setting an economic vision and clear plans for the future which will guide the way for future investment and growth. This meshes well with East Sussex Reset, the Team East Sussex roadmap for recovery which lays out our ambition and vision for East Sussex here.

Read the report to find out more about our £85 million Getting Building Fund, our £2.4 million Business Support Fund, the £2 million invested in skills, and how our Digital Skills Partnership is supporting individuals and businesses to meet the digital skills challenge faced in our new economy.

 

Read the South East Economy in 2021 – the road to recovery report

 

If you are seeking support for your business, get in touch now.