Partner Article

Stephen Catchpole on his vision for TVU

As well as the restructuring of business support organisations in the region, the North East will soon be forced to contend with another big change – the full introduction of Local Enterprise Partnerships.

The Local Enterprise Partnerships, or LEPs as they are more commonly known, will see the public and private sectors working together to support real investment and growth opportunities.

In the region, the opening of Tees Valley Unlimited and the North East Enterprise Partnership will coincide with the closure of Regional Development Agency One North East. Bdaily has been speaking to Stephen Catchpole, the managing director of Tees Valley Unlimited to see what he makes of the changes.

“The government decided that Tees Valley Unlimited would be the best vehicle for the LEP as it fitted neatly into the localism agenda.” Stephen explains.

“We have long been focussed on issues facing the region, and since we were awarded the contract we are now looking to work with other LEPs in Leeds and the North East to collaborate on certain issues.”

While the LEPs will not replace the financial support provided by Business Link and One North East, it is hoped that they will give businesses in the region sustainable business aids through supported business zones and expert advice.

“We helped businesses successfully bid for both the first and second rounds of Regional Growth Funding, and when the Enterprise Zones open in April 2012, favourable rates should provide a good incentive for businesses to move there.”

When discussing funding however, Stephen admits that the government is still not doing enough to support businesses.

“The schemes helping small businesses to access finance have not been totally successful, and while Project Merlin has hit its targets for bigger companies it is still not lending to SMEs, which is an issue of particular concern.

“The government are trying to put pressure on the Merlin banks, who ought to take a more realistic attitude to lending – if we are to see any growth, they must realise that lending is paramount.”

Many businesses that successfully applied for Regional Growth Funding have also yet to see any cash, and this is something he hopes will hasten in the future – especially as the weak economy continues to hit businesses hard.

“We are hoping for more speed – indeed one business we have worked with built their factory at risk, on the basis that they would receive funding which they are still yet to receive.

“It is difficult however, as the government wants to protect the public purse, and the process will hopefully quicken in the near future.”

He was also keen to encourage businesses to look towards organisations in the region, as well as themselves to provide them with more hands on business support.

“Local authorities will be key, and will be able to give start up businesses more hands on contact.” He continued. “Equally business organisations like the FSB, the NECC and EEF will continue to be powerful support mechanisms that businesses can really benefit from.

“There are also private businesses support advisors who you do have to pay for, but as they are a commercially run venture you are at an advantage because they will actively do what you want them to do.”

While the future remains uncertain, Stephen is confident that Tees Valley Unlimited and the other RDAs will help towards the sustainable recovery that everyone is longing for.

“In the sub region we have good contacts and a good dialogue, and we are confident we can represent the area as we more than punch above our weight.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .