Working with Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs)
Introduction
In the March 2023 Budget, it was announced that LEP functions and responsibilities would be transferred to local authorities by April 2024. We will update this page with further details, as they are released.
England’s 38 Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) play a vital role in growing the UK’s tourism industry. We work directly with them and the relevant government departments, as well as supporting England’s destination partners to ensure mutually beneficial relationships.
LEPs are connected to all sectors of the economy, putting them in a unique position to undertake many strategic activities. These activities can include evaluating the impacts on tourism of LEP projects and decisions as well as identifying cross-sector growth opportunities.
Meanwhile, destination organisations are crucial partners for LEPs, able to provide expert insight into the local market and offer strategic support. The benefits are clear: well-managed destinations are more likely to experience sustainable growth and inward investment across a broad range of sectors.
Read on to discover our essential resources and guidance for LEPs, and real-life case studies of how their work benefits the visitor economy.
Supporting LEPs
For LEPs prioritising the visitor economy, we provide targeted advice and guidance, as well as sharing good practice and learning. For LEPs where tourism could play a bigger part in economic growth, we offer support through wider activities, such as skills, transport and infrastructure plans.
We also support LEPs where tourism is not a priority but could contribute to economic growth – through wider activities such as Quality of Life agenda, place shaping, skills, transport and infrastructure plans. In addition, we feed tourism content, tools, resources and discussion threads into the LEP Network.
Supporting destination partners
We work with destination partners to provide advice and guidance on topics such as:
How to have quality conversations with LEPs.
How to influence your LEP’s strategic plan.
How to access appropriate funding.
We also engage strategically with government departments responsible for LEP policy on issues such as funding and planning, to help them understand the value and growth potential of the visitor economy.
To discuss how we can assist your organisation, contact us on the details below.
How LEPs can boost the tourism industry
Identifying gaps and growth opportunities within the wider economic context and their own objectives.
Recognising where tourism can support areas of investment and embedding these in the LEP investment strategy.
Developing integrated transport options (for example rail services, bus routes and cycle ways) to connect with tourism products.
Using priority sectors such as manufacturing and technology to target the local business tourism offer, and stimulate future growth.
Linking the local supply chain to the visitor economy – such as tourism activities showcasing food and drink production, or selling local goods through tourism outlets.
Encouraging urban and rural connectivity to support business growth – through transport initiatives, skills and training solutions.
Reviewing the research and insights available on the visitor economy across the LEP area, to identify gaps and growth opportunities.
Supporting an integrated approach to local tourism development through planning and control mechanisms.
Essential resources for LEPs
VisitEngland data
Explore our research and insights – including the latest quarterly data for the UK overall and by area, as well as trends in specific sectors.
Office for National Statistics (ONS)
The ONS publishes data relating to UK tourism – including transport, hotels, recreational and conference services.
LEP Network
The LEP Network website contains useful information and updates for LEPs on the visitor economy and growth opportunities.
Destination management
We provide resources to support the development and delivery of destination management, including guidance on developing destination management plans.
Explore England’s LEPs
Explore England’s LEPs
Find your nearest LEP via the LEP Network. This not-for-profit organisation represents LEPs on a national level, and offers related advice, information and data.
Find your nearest LEP via the LEP Network. This not-for-profit organisation represents LEPs on a national level, and offers related advice, information and data.
