ALMOST 200 representatives from the region’s business community attended an event to discuss plans for a Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership.

The event, hosted by Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, began with an overview of local enterprise partnerships (LEPs) from its chief executive Angie Robinson. She emphasised the importance of involving business leaders in defining the structure of the partnerships.

Sir Howard Bernstein, chief executive of Manchester City Council, outlined the LEP proposals, setting out the recommendations from the Manchester Independent Economic Review last year. These included transforming Greater Manchester into a low carbon economy, driving the marketing and tourism industry forward to secure national and international recognition.

Plans for a shadow LEP board were also outlined. This aims to be operational in a short period of time and include representatives from the Business Leadership Council, Midas, Marketing Manchester, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, Manchester Solutions as well as key civic leaders.

Angie Robinson said: “The issue of how the LEPs will be formed and what they will look like has been very important to our members. We decided to hold this event to give the business community the chance to hear the proposals and have the opportunity to air their views.”