Representation by South East Local Enterprise Partnership (South East Local Enterprise Partnership)
- Date submitted
- 31 January 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
The South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) is a public private partnership which seeks to encourage growth and investment in the South East, to support businesses and encourage development of our communities and local economies in our area. A local economy limited by congestion SELEP represents many organisations that are directly impacted by current congestion at the Dartford Crossing and the surrounding areas. We also represent businesses and estuarine communities that have seen opportunities for growth hampered by limitations in connectivity across the Thames to the east of London. We have no doubt that this scheme provides a solution and the resilience needed to keep goods and labour moving and will be a vital foundation for future growth in the South East. Opportunities for key projects The crossing will also open up new opportunities, changing market catchments and travel to work areas, connecting employees and employers, buyers and sellers, business and customers. In this way, the Crossing will enable success at key locations such as Thames Freeport, DP World and Tilbury Ports, and in new Garden Communities in North Kent and South Essex. Benefit to local residents and businesses We have been working closely with Lower Thames Crossing team and other major projects in the area to ensure the demand for skills for future schemes can be met from local residents and local training providers, and that local businesses are ready to play their part in the supply chain. We are keen to ensure local residents and businesses can benefit from the opportunities such investment will bring. Strategic Economic growth The Lower Thames Crossing will also play a role in supporting the delivery of broader regional economic priorities that are outlined in the SELEP Recovery and Renewal Strategy. It will, for example, be vital in ‘levelling up’ deprived communities in the South East. It will support growth in high value and globally competitive industries, providing a catalyst for wider investment, job creation and regeneration. Crucially, it will also help cement the South East’s position as the UK’s Global Gateway and as a centre for trade and investment. It will make the flow of imported and exported goods easier, smoother, and more reliable, magnifying the impact of regional investment in sectors such as logistics, manufacturing and distribution. Clean growth ambitions Finally, we applaud and endorse the Lower Thames Crossing’s position as a ‘pathfinder project’, leading the way for carbon neutral construction as part of its efforts to be the greenest road ever built in the UK. The South East is well placed to support this agenda with excellent credentials and some fantastic businesses ready to support. We welcome the new investments and innovation that will flow into this sector as a direct result of the realisation of this bold ambition. We are also keen to ensure local residents and businesses have the right skills and capabilities to support this growing sector.