19th August, 2024
Dorset business leaders help SMEs diversify into defence and security sector
Big defence programmes like AUKUS (Australia, United Kingdom and United States) and Tempest, (the Global Combat Air Programme) offer huge opportunitie...
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2nd August, 2024
Aligning economic strategy with the government's priorities
As the new government gathers pace Cecilia Bufton, Chair of the Dorset LEP, which continues to deliver its functions for the financial year 2024/25, sets out her view of on working with the new government in the months ahead.
"It’s been a busy second quarter after what’s been another busy financial year - see our latest Annual Report published last week and read on to find out more about what’s ahead and key dates for your diary.
July saw a new government that appears to have hit the ground running with a bumper crop of bills in the Kings Speech last week (17 July). To deliver on this ambitious programme, they will need time in office. I believe it is incumbent on us all to take this opportunity to work together for the benefit of Dorset, our communities, and our businesses.
There is renewed focus on a “devolution revolution”. In her first letter to local leaders, our new Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, encouraged regions without devolved power to “partner with government to achieve the transfer of more powers out of Westminster and into the hands of local people, to unlock economic growth and tackle regional inequality."
A new taskforce to accelerate stalled housing sites; 300 additional planning officers to help planning reform; the biggest increase in social and affordable housebuilding in a generation. This is all wrapped up in the proposed Planning and Infrastructure Bill, aiming to streamline the process for approving critical infrastructure.
As anticipated, mission-driven Industrial Strategies are back on the agenda, aiming to boost productivity, drive clean, green power and build a resilient economy - supported by an “Industrial Strategy Council”, a full-time expert body helping businesses plan for the next ten years. Support for small businesses remains a top priority, with proposals to act on late payments so small firms are paid on time, reforming the British Business Bank and freeing up capital for small and medium sized firms so they can expand quickly as well as changing procurement rules so small businesses have a fair shot at government contracts.
There is a welcome and significant focus on accelerating innovation, investment and productivity through world-class science and research across the economy, with commitments to boosting research security and collaboration on large research infrastructure, biotechnology and key technologies such as AI.
We have made a good start on refreshing our economic evidence base and will be aligning our draft economic strategy, shared at our recent Board meeting (18 July), with this and many more aspects of the new legislation. We will be sharing this with local business at our next Ambassador Breakfast in September – read on for more information. Dorset LEP continues to work in partnership with local businesses, local authorities and education institutions to establish our priorities and plans for a prosperous Dorset."
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Cecilia Bufton
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Join the Digital Poverty Alliance on 12 September to help end digital exclusion in the UK as part of their End Digital Poverty Day.
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