Leicester and Leicestershire is one of 19 new investment projects announced today (9 October) by the Department for International Trade (DIT) and was included in the second round of successful Government’s High Potential Opportunities (HPO) programme bids.
The new investment projects were selected following bids from Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) across the UK. All cover emerging UK sectors including medtech, agri-tech and automation, with the Leicester and Leicestershire bids covering Life Sciences – Rehabilitation and also part of a joint LEP HPO for Autonomous, Connected, Electric and Shared vehicles.
The programme is designed to promote opportunities to foreign investors to increase inward investment into the UK and help the country build back better.
Minister for Investment, Gerry Grimstone, announced the second round of successful bids.
Now the projects have been announced, DIT’s global network – based in 177 cities around the world – will provide support by showcasing these opportunities internationally and contacting investors to promote the projects.
Minister for Investment Gerry Grimstone said:
“The UK has so much to offer international investors across a variety of key sectors and regions. Our HPO programme looks at some of the sectors and sites across the UK where we see some of the world’s greatest challenges being solved.
“Inward investment will help the UK build back better while levelling up all parts of the UK. This is just the start of the steps we are taking to increase inward investment and drive economic recovery.”
Mark Oakley, Director of Inward Investment and Place Marketing at Leicester City Council said:
“We are delighted that Leicester and Leicestershire’s outstanding assets, strengths and expertise in the Life Sciences rehabilitation sector will be showcased to a global audience through DIT’s High Potential Opportunity programme, aiming to attract additional welcomed investment into the area. This will build awareness of our distinctive offer alongside work with DIT to grow our Space sector.
“The increasing rate of chronic conditions, diseases and viruses is creating new commercial opportunities to develop and deliver products, services and new business models. Our partnership, including our universities, Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership, Charnwood Campus, Leicester-shire & Rutland Sport and industry leaders, will now work with DIT to develop our proposition to attract new investment and high quality jobs into our area.”
“We’re also proud to be part of a successful pan-LEP HPO for Autonomous, Connected, Electric and Shared vehicles. Through industry, academia and government, the Midlands area provides excellent access to leading research centres for intelligent vehicles and mobility, creating a safe environment to test and to transfer knowledge.”
Kevin Harris, Chair of the LLEP board of Directors said:
“Leicester and Leicestershire offers fantastic opportunities for many businesses. Our central location and major transport links make us accessible both nationally and internationally and we are delighted to be included in DIT’s High Potential Opportunity programme.
“We are proud to boast two Enterprise Zones that include MIRA Technology Park at Hinckley, a world leader in autonomous vehicle technology, and the UK’s first Life Sciences Opportunities Zone at Charnwood Campus is located within the Loughborough and Leicester Science and Innovation Enterprise Zone. This makes us a prime choice for foreign investment and the LLEP is working with partners to capitalise on global interest and bring skilled jobs and economic prosperity to the area.”
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