Business groups, think tanks and councils have been meeting the government to discuss the development of new local enterprise partnerships (LEPs).

A round table event with Mark Prisk, Minister for regional and local economic development and decentralisation minister Greg Clark aimed to get a range of views on the creation of local enterprise partnerships.

As well as local government representatives, attendees included the Confederation of British Industry (CBI); Federation of Small Businesses (FSB); British Chambers of Commerce; Engineering Employers Federation (EEF); Institute of Directors (IoD); Centre for Cities; and New Local Government Network (NLGN).

Discussions included the issues and opportunities arising from the new structures, different areas’ priorities for growth, and issues relating to the size, scope and geography of a local enterprise partnership.

Speaking after the meeting, Mark Prisk said: “It’s crucial that local authorities and business work hand-in-hand to establish proposals for enterprise partnerships. Together they have the insight and understanding to set out a vision for a strong local economic future, and then decide what structures can best achieve that vision.

“I was grateful to hear their views and I’m looking forward to seeing the results of our discussion in action over the coming weeks and months.”

The discussions come ahead of a White Paper on sub-national economic development, which will set out the Government’s approach in more detail, later this year.