CWLEP will leave impressive legacy, says leader

“I am incredibly proud that we have had a positive impact on every part of our geography and in so many sectors."

A business leader celebrated leaving a double legacy as her organisation held its final annual meeting. 

Sarah Windrum, Chair of Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP), told its last annual meeting that the group had left a strong track record in delivering schemes from North Warwickshire to Stratford-upon-Avon and Coventry since it began in 2011 – and the Growth Hub it created would continue to provide support to businesses in the region. 

CWLEP, of which Warwickshire County Council was a founding member, will officially close on March 31, following the Government’s Levelling Up White Paper, after 11 years of bringing the public and private sectors together to drive forward the local economy. 

In CWLEP’s 24-page celebration document, which was unveiled at the meeting, five infrastructure projects were spotlighted – the WMG Degree Apprenticeship Centre at the University of Warwick, Coventry Station Masterplan, Completing the Cultural Capital in Coventry, the Commonwealth Games 2022, and Catalyst in Nuneaton – all of which received grants from the Government’s Local Growth Fund, Growing Places or Getting Building Fund. 

Sarah said the organisation had worked tirelessly to boost Coventry and Warwickshire’s economy. 

“I am incredibly proud that we have had a positive impact on every part of our geography and in so many sectors, including automotive, digital and creative, and culture and tourism,” she said. “We have brought £191 million of investment to Coventry and Warwickshire since 2011 which has been match-funded by £407.4 million. 

“We have ensured value for money for every penny invested in capital projects and made sure skills and business support were at the forefront. I am also proud of the importance we have placed on improving the wellness of our communities. 

“Evidence shows we have continued to perform at an exceptionally high standard when benchmarked with other LEP geographies, which has not been easy in the current economic climate. Our consistently strong performance has been thanks to the hard work and dedication of the past and current board members and the executive team working closely with our partners across the region.” 

The Growth Hub has helped nearly 1,440 businesses with recovery from the pandemic and future growth plans. 

Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economy & Place, Cllr Martin Watson, said “The County Council was a member of CWLEP right from the start and has actively engaged with and supported it all the way through. We are proud to have contributed to its achievements. 

“We are now working closely with the City Council and wider partners to find the best structures and approach going forward. We will continue to ensure a strong collective focus on the Coventry & Warwickshire economy and that the voice of our businesses will be heard where it matters.”