Enterprise M3 invests millions of pounds to deliver jobs for people and a digital, low carbon economy for the environment

Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership (EM3 LEP) is investing a total of £13.3 million of Government funds to support a Green and Technology-led economic recovery in Surrey and Hampshire.

People in Surrey and Hampshire will see results of the investment within 18 months as thousands of jobs are saved and created in low carbon and creative high-tech industries, and in the construction sectors, as the EM3 region looks to ‘build back better’.

Thousands of new learners, including apprentices, will be supported in higher and further education, as colleges benefit from a transformational upgrade of their digital facilities. The five projects will create nearly 2,000 jobs, and 3,000 will be safeguarded, alongside the unlocking of 834sq m of commercial space and 555sq m of learning and training space.

Chair of EM3 LEP, Dave Axam, said: “It is important to deliver, growth, jobs and transform to a low-carbon economy. We have a knowledge-based, digital, design led economy here in the EM3 region. We are also a region rich in business-led innovation which will fuel recovery here and across the UK.

“This investment will help unlock millions of pounds of economic benefits through better digital connectivity and by increasing the level of skills within the region’s workforce. I’m delighted that we can take these important projects forward as we drive ahead with a strong digital and sustainable recovery.”

The £13.3 million funding for EM3 LEP is part of the Government’s £900 million Getting Building Fund, and the five projects are detailed below:

• Gigabit Town & Rural – People and businesses in towns and villages across Hampshire and Surrey will take a big stride towards ultra-fast broadband, with a £4.5 million programme to deploy gigabit-capable fibre along an initial route between Guildford and Basingstoke. Led by Enterprise M3 LEP, the work will save or create more than 4,250 jobs in digital and creative sectors, and enable a step change in the region’s digital connectivity, making it one of the leading “Gigabit Town & Rural” areas in the country
• Digital Skills Work - More than 7,000 learners across Surrey and Hampshire will benefit from a £2.2 million investment in the digital infrastructure of the six Further Education Colleges in the Enterprise M3 area. This will upgrade colleges’ digital assets, transforming the delivery of courses, effectiveness of teaching, and equip learners for current and future employment.
• Creative Tech Growth Booster, led by Royal Holloway - Businesses in immersive, creative technologies will receive thousands of pounds worth of research and development support, supporting 60 jobs and a fast return to growth. £900,000 will be invested in latest equipment, which will allow more than 30 high growth companies to use immersive technology for diversification and product development.
• Park, Ride & Electric Vehicle (EV) Charge - Commuters and visitors into Winchester will find it easier to “go low carbon” with this new “Park, Ride and EV Charge” scheme. The £5.6 million facility, on the outskirts of the city, will create more than 240 jobs and combine at least 300 park and ride spaces with EV charging points, powered by renewable solar energy.
• Clean Growth Programme - An investment of £200,000 into a pilot scheme for renewable energy and low carbon initiatives in the Enterprise M3 area will start a Green Recovery. Proposals include renewable energy generation on public buildings, energy efficiency and innovation to support decarbonisation of transport and buildings.

The Government’s £900 million investment will fund more than 300 shovel-ready projects in England to build new homes and infrastructure, and create jobs.

Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government Simon Clarke MP said: “We want to build back better to fuel a green economic recovery across the country by investing in infrastructure, creating jobs and building the homes people need.

“That is why, we are investing £900 million in shovel-ready projects through our Getting Building Fund, including £13.3 million in the Enterprise M3 LEP area. This funding will unlock homes, create new jobs and deliver investment in commercial and green spaces and a much-needed boost to the local economy.”

Chair of the LEP Network, Mark Bretton said: “As business led partnerships with a ready-made pipeline of projects, LEPs responded swiftly to the Prime Minister’s call for infrastructure projects with more available when Government is ready. 

“LEPs ‘can do’ business attitude has created a proven track record of complex delivery, landing projects at scale, on time and to budget. The foundations they are building for local recovery in their Five Point Plan will underpin our national recovery.”

The delivery and funding for individual projects is subject to due diligence and approval by a sub-committee of the EnterpriseM3 LEP Board.