Liz Waugh, Interim Chief Executive of the Heart of South West Local Enterprise Partnership tells CIHT that their expert advice on transport issues will be welcomed by LEPs

With 39 Local Enterprise Partnerships operating across England, CIHT took the opportunity to hear about the work in the South West by speaking with the Liz Waugh, Interim Chief Executive of the South West LEP. A key message was the opportunity open to transportation professionals to help advise LEPs, Liz said: “We want to see greater business engagement and I think that is somewhere CIHT can really get involved and exploit that opportunity: infrastructure is at the top of every LEPs’ agenda. It is crucial. Without it we aren’t going to get over the economic situation we are in; but we need to be informed by professionals in the industry. So I would really welcome any opportunity for your members to get engaged with us”.

The Heart of the South West is the Local Enterprise Partnership for Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay. Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) are new strategic partnership organisations formed under the leadership of the private sector and supported by the local authorities to create a powerful economic alliance. The Heart of the South West has already attracted more than £25 million of Government funding to kick start the areas' economy, to create new jobs, boost productivity and to improve earnings.

Liz outlined how the LEP operates in the South West, Liz said: ‘It is the business community that is key [to the LEP process]”. Working in partnership has been crucial, Liz said: ‘Understanding what is going on in the ground....partners are absolutely key”.

Some key achievements to date include Plymouth being shortlisted for the City Deal and there will be a focus of Marine Technology. The area is also one of five the rural growth networks and this will help rural economies grow and help entrepreneurship. They are also underway with establishing their Local Transport Board. The Pinch Point funding scheme has been utilised with schemes being submitted. Liz summarised the progress: “We are working out our priorities and critical infrastructure is right up there”.

The interview was recorded on the 20 February 2013 and questions were asked by Justin Ward from CIHT.

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