Deprived areas receive multi-million pound funding

The Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI) is a joint programme between the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, HM Treasury and the Department for Trade and Industry. LEGI is a neighbourhood renewal programme that aims to increase entrepreneurial activity in the local population, support the growth and reduce the failure rate of locally-owned businesses, and attract appropriate inward investment and franchising by making use of local labour resources.

Government Office for London originally issued the ‘pump priming’ money to all eligible London authorities (those in receipt of Neighbourhood Renewal Funding) who indicated a desire to take this initiative forward. LEGI funds will now be administered through GOL, who will work closely with the London Development Agency.

Phil Woolas, Minister for Local Government said:

“We aim to create prosperous, inclusive and sustainable communities for the 21st century, places where people want to live that promote opportunity and a better quality of life for all. It is crucial to ensure local authorities in the most deprived areas are provided with opportunities to stimulate economic growth through enterprise development.”
Rob Whiteman, Chief Executive of Barking & Dagenham, said:
“Our aim ‘to build communities and transform lives’ will be hugely supported by the delivery of our LEGI proposal. Through partnership we will build an enterprise culture to support individuals and businesses to flourish. LEGI will help equip East London to reap the rewards of the enormous opportunities for business over the next 20 years, from London 2012 and the Thames Gateway. We are really delighted with this news.”
For more information on LEGI please contact Shanaaz Carroll on 020 7954 4763.