Further small businesses back Devolution Leicestershire campaign

More small businesses across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland have backed Devolution Leicestershire's call for a faster Devo deal in LLR.

A number of additional members of Leicestershire Business Voice (LBV) have put their names to the campaign - saying devolved powers will help to unlock investment and growth.

LLR is falling behind the 48% of England's population that live in a region with mayoral devolved powers.

The region currently has no devolved funding for regional business support.

Meanwhile, other Mayoral areas receive significantly more skills and growth funding - Tees Valley alone receives nine times more skills funding than LLR.

LBV was a founding member of the campaign and its members are now adding their voice to the call for a fairer deal.

Sue Tilley, Chair of LBV said: "LBV is a proud supporter of the Devolution Leicestershire campaign so it's great news to see many members of our network of local businesses stepping up to directly show their support as well.

"Through our long-term work with members, stakeholders and political leaders, we've been spreading the message about the impacts of reaching a devolution deal on the local business community."

There are more than 43,000 total business enterprises across the region - with more than 98% of them employing fewer than 50 people.

Angela Orton, Managing Director of Structural Adhesives added: "Local decision makers are more likely to understand the issues facing micro/small businesses like ours.

"SAL have proven products and strong R&D capability, but national funding and procurement criteria impact us.

"More local control could give capable Leicestershire businesses, like ours, a fairer route to contribute and grow. We all deserve a level playing field."

Among latest Leicestershire Business Voice members to back Devolution Leicestershire are:

• Duncan & Toplis
• Structural Adhesives
• Smart Business Recovery
• Richardson Partners
• Excello Law
• Bond Legal
• 2XL Commercial Finance

SMEs are the backbone of LLR's economy - and many say they are ready to grow further but need the investment that a Devolution deal would bring.

Their backing adds to a growing coalition of voices - from across sectors - calling for Devolution.

Council leaders recently wrote to Government requesting a Mayoral Strategic Authority - a move welcomed by business leaders including LBV.

But it remains unclear when there will be a Regional Mayor in place for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.