Rural Growth Network – tell us your ideas

15 February 2012

With regards to the application submitted by Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership to become a pilot Rural Growth Network. Unfortunately we have been unsuccessful.  29 proposals were received and were assessed by a panel of officials from DEFRA, BIS, DCLG, the Government Equality Office and a representative from the British Chamber of Commerce.  We are awaiting formal feedback.

Please click here for a summary and also click here for a letter from Richard Benyon MP, Minister for Natural Environment and Fisheries.

 ******

On 29 December, Defra launched a competition for LEPs/Local Authorities to identify pilot Rural Growth Networks, as announced in the rural strand of the Growth Review on 29th November 2011. The purpose of the Rural Growth Network is to identify mechanisms capable of stimulating faster and more widespread sustainable growth, employment and economic activity in rural areas. It is expected that this will include physical infrastructure such as ‘enterprise hubs' and other business services and early discussions with Government officials indicate that an application within East Cornwall is likely to stand the best chance of success.

There will be a two stage selection process, which is intended to reduce the information required from first stage applicants. The closing date for applications is 31st January 2012.

In February, shortlisted applicants will be invited to meet the Assessment Panel for a more in-depth discussion of their proposal. The final selection will seek the best fit of pilots, taking into account the range of models being proposed, the types of rural areas covered and the resources available as well as the quality and content of individual applications.

The intention is to announce the successful schemes in March 2012.

The LEP is interested to hear from you with your ideas or comments to assist with the preparation of this bid.

For further information, please click here.

To comment, please complete our on-line form - click to contact us.