During 2006/07 MKELP has achieved the following:
- Provided the focal point for the development of the Oxford2Cambridge Arc, an initiative that crosses three regions – SEEDA, EEDA and EMDA. We also employ the Arc’s Executive Director, Nicholas Miles and provide administrative and financial management support.
- Working with the Economic and Learning Partnerships for Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, with the support of SEEDA and Thames Valley Learning & Skills Council, we are leading the remodelling of the Local Skills for Productivity Alliance.
- MKELP fed into the development of the Regional Economic Strategy and the South East Plan.
- MKELP is the accountable body for Milton Keynes Area Programme, a £1.9 million investment by SEEDA to address the most economically deprived parts of the city. We have secured significant leverage from both public and private sector partners and anticipate that the Area Programme will become the model for intervention in the regeneration arena across the city moving forward.
- MKELP, with Milton Keynes Council, has been joint lead on the economic development and enterprise block of the Local Area Agreement. The Executive Director has recently agreed to chair, on behalf of the Local Strategic Partnership, the LAA Group that will oversee its implementation and guide partners through the next iteration of the agreements.
- MKELP has continued to champion the development of Universities for Milton Keynes, including supporting the purchase of a building that will become the interim University Centre in Central Milton Keynes, opening in January 2008. In addition, with the support of SEEDA we have been leading work to identify a permanent site for a university campus, to open 2011/12.
- A website for the partnership has been launched to provide an easy communication vehicle. In addition, we provide a monthly e mail update to Milton Keynes Business Leaders.
- The Partnership has provided support to Milton Keynes Partnership, the local delivery vehicle for growth, in relation to shared services in the new expansion areas, inward investment and the development of Central Milton Keynes.
- MKELP has supported the development of Destination Milton Keynes, a private sector led initiative that provides the focal point for a range of tourism and leisure initiatives. In its first full year of operation it has undertaken a number of marketing campaigns, launched a Conference Desk, developed a web site, and been formally recognised by Tourism South East.
- The Executive Director chairs the Milton Keynes Transport Partnership and has worked closely with local, regional and national partners in the review of the city’s transport strategy to ensure that it can meet the challenges of growth.
