Local Enterprise Partnership

For some time we have been trying to establish connections with the Local Enterprise Partnership. They are the body that drives forward investment in employment across Cheshire and Merseyside. If you are a business person and want to build a new factory or warehouse (or any other form of employment creation building). It seemed obvious, to us, that such places need people to work in them. Many of the people, with whom we connect, are seeking work. Quite a lot of them need some help in getting ready for work (which may be why they are connecting with us) and it seems sensible to make connections between employers and potential employees. There is a long way to go with this relationship and we are excited.

 As things develop we will share information. There are private companies being paid to support people in employment. If voluntary sector groups were used we could use the surplus income (profit!) to deliver further social value and not just fund the lifestyles of shareholders.

We were asked for information about food bank usage, debt advice requirements and one or two other measures by the LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership). We had hoped that the information gathered would be used with the aim of resourcing further work in these areas. As information was continually submitted we showed some trends which foresaw the current cost of living crisis. We provided commentary on the information. The result of this was not immediately obvious as nothing really emerged from the LEP.

 We now find that the information was deemed “useful” and it showed the LEP that we are able to connect with those with whom they do not connect. Perhaps the work has had benefits in ways that are now only becoming obvious.

 Thank you to those groups who provided anonymised data. If your group wants to be part of any future consultation please let us know.