What are Local Enterprise Partnerships and how can food partnerships engage with them?

This webinar provided an overview of what Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) are as well as identify potential areas where food partnerships can engage and influence to help stimulate the local sustainable food economy.

Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) are strategic bodies that bring together leaders from business, local government, education and other local stakeholders to drive private sector led growth at a local level. They play a central role in deciding local economic priorities and undertake activities to drive economic growth and job creation, improve infrastructure and raise workforce skills within the local area.

Food partnerships across the country have recognised the key role food can play in dealing with some of today’s most pressing economic, environmental and social issues. Good food business supports regeneration on our high streets, creates desirable places to live and attracts inward investment, as well as helping to keep residents healthy and connected to each other and driving entrepreneurship and innovation. With this expertise, there is a key opportunity to collaborate and influence LEPs.

Watch the full recording here.

Speakers:

Ben Reynolds, Deputy CEO of Sustain: the alliance for better food and farming

Nigel Curry, Co-Chair of the Lincolnshire Food Partnership

Gareth Roberts, Coordination Lead of ShefFood and Co-Founder of Regather

Jamie Izzard, Deputy Senior Responsible Officer, London LEP