LEP Chair Roger Marsh comments on the budget 2014

19.03.2014

Roger Marsh, Chair of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership commented:

“We are delighted that the Government has recognised the hard work and positive impact that manufacturers, particularly in the North, have on the economy and we welcome the £7bn package to cut energy bills for a sector that is vital to our region.

“I am encouraged that additional funding has been made available to support businesses to export. We will be working with partners on our We Are International campaign to maximise the opportunities this funding will bear for businesses and the economy. Connecting our businesses to their specialised markets is vital to maintain good growth and the £20m Regional Air Connectivity Fund, to support new routes from Leeds Bradford airport, will support the work we are already doing to enhance the international connectivity of the region.

“Following the recent launch of the LEP’s Apprenticeship Challenge with the Duke of York, we are supportive that the government is going even further to support over 100,000 more apprentices across the country. We will continue to work hard and support businesses in the region to enhance their workforce and create career opportunities for our young people.”