Christmas message from LEP Chair, Roger Marsh

2014 has been a momentous year for the LEP and for businesses in Leeds City Region.

Our outstanding SMEs have shone bright on the global stage, most notably Huddersfield manufacturer, Reliance Precision, whose engineering excellence will be felt not just globally but intergalactically, playing a key role in the Rosetta Comet landing.

SMEs are the backbone of our economy, making up over 99% of the business population in the Leeds City Region. This year we have invested in over 300 businesses across the region through our funding programmes, resulting in over 3,000 new jobs. It is also encouraging to see more businesses taking advantage of LEP support and exploring export opportunities, taking on apprentices and investing in energy efficiency measures.

As the year has gone on, it’s become clear that the unprecedented transfer of funding secured through our £1billion Growth Deal could be just the start of our devolution journey and 2015 looks set to continue the momentum we set in motion this year. I am a great admirer of the business guru, the late Peter Drucker, who once said “the best way to predict the future is to create it.”

I look forward to working with businesses and partners in 2015 to continue to create a more prosperous Leeds City Region for all who live and work here; delivering ‘good growth’ through more and better jobs across the region.

Wishing you, your family and employees a merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous new year.

Roger Marsh, LEP Chair

P.S. By way of a reminder, don’t forget to register for our business finance event on 27 January 2015 at Unity Works, Wakefield! You can register here.