Business leader at Number Ten for PM talks
A LEADING figure in the Coventry and Warwickshire economy has held talks with Prime Minister Theresa May.
Jonathan Browning, chair of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP), was among business leaders representing the 38 LEPs in England which discussed major issues with Prime Minister Theresa May in what was the first meeting of the Prime Minister’s Council of LEP Chairs.
The talks centred around skills, the country’s Industrial Strategy and its four Grand Challenges – artificial intelligence and data, an ageing society, clean growth and the future of mobility.
They also involved Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Greg Clark, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, James Brokenshire, and Jake Berry, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth.
Local Enterprise Partnerships - partnerships between the private and public sector - were set-up by government to help determine local economic priorities, lead economic growth and job creation within a local area.
Mr Browning, a former managing director of Jaguar Cars, said: “We have a regular dialogue with Whitehall at all levels but it is good to know that the issues which concern us are resonating right at the top of government, and it was pleasing to have the chance to run through several key issues.”
Mrs May said: “The first meeting of the council marks a milestone in this partnership. By working even more closely together, we will continue to maximise our efforts in creating jobs, growth and investment right across the country, delivering long-term, meaningful results for local communities.”
