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The LEP works with colleagues in the partner local authorities and is supported by a small team of support staff based in Shrewsbury to support the LEP Board.
The LEP works with colleagues in the partner local authorities in Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin and is supported by a small team of support staff based in Shrewsbury.
Rachel Laver is the chief executive of the Marches LEP, having joined the partnership from Cheshire and Warrington LEP in 2021.
Rachel is a regeneration specialist who has worked within the delivery of public sector funded projects and initiatives for over 25 years. With a strong interest in the environment, Rachel has been responsible for setting up a £4m Energy Fund at the Marches LEP to help increase business adoption of low carbon technology and to help drive innovation. She continues to work with her team to develop strategic initiatives in the areas of skills, transport and business support to promote the economic development of the Marches.
Away from work she is a director and coach of a girls football team in Eccleshall.
The Marches Local Enterprise Partnership has now ceased trading and transferred all its functions to Shropshire Council working with Telford & Wrekin Council and Herefordshire Council, in line with the UK Government's plans for devolution.
The Marches LEP was established in 2011 and hands over an impressive legacy from its 13-year life. In that time the LEP invested over £196m in projects across the Marches, securing in excess of £100m of match funding and supported more than 66,000 business interactions.
The schemes supported have made tangible differences to local communities, increasing skills, creating jobs and improving the physical appearance of many towns.
We would like to thank all the LEP Board Members who have given their time freely over the life of the LEP, as well as all the staff who worked for the LEP over the years. We also want to thank our delivery partners, local education providers and local, regional and national stakeholders who helped us achieve so much.
The Marches Growth Hub will continue to support businesses and will be managed by Shropshire Council, supported by Telford and Wrekin and Herefordshire Councils. Each of the three Local Authorities will also continue to provide direct business support locally. Details of this support will be available through the Marches Growth Hub website and from the Local Authorities directly. Website: www.marchesgrowthhub.co.uk | email: enquiries@marchesgrowthhub.co.uk.
The Marches Careers Hub will continue to be delivered and will be managed by Shropshire Council, supported by Telford & Wrekin and Herefordshire Councils. Website: www.marchescareershub.co.uk | email: info@marchescareershub.co.uk
For any queries about Getting Building Fund (GBF), Local Growth Fund (LGF) and Marches Investment Fund (MIF) projects supported by the Marches LEP please contact: gary.spence@shropshire.gov.uk
For any finance queries please contact: michelle.hodgkiss@shropshire.gov.uk
The solvent liquidation of the Marches LEP is being managed by the Evelyn Partners Limited. For any matter related to this please contact: Camilla.Mulholland@evelyn.com
