Date Posted: 14 September 2011
After the local launch of Leeds City Regions’ bid to host the Green Investment Bank last Thursday, I’m looking forward to taking the pitch down to London this week to deliver the business case into the heart of government in Westminster, under no illusions as to where the decision will be made.
The issue to overcome is the assumption that these things can only be done in London. Of course there will be a few specialist functions that are best suited to desks in the Capital but there is a compelling argument to put the heart of the Bank – and the people who run it – here in the centre of Yorkshire.
And not because we “deserve it”, or because it’s “our turn”, but because it makes sound business sense to locate it here.
We have a combination of quality and cost that makes us the best value offer that the government can have – with access to a winning combination of employment skills, university research, Grade A business accommodation and end user markets at a price with which London simply cannot compete.
As the advocate for Financial and Professional Services in the Leeds City Region, I know better than anyone about our strengths in this sector, and in recent months I’ve learnt from others just how much we have to offer in terms of our expertise in the emerging Green economy.
By combining these attributes with the voice of the Local Enterprise Partnership, the City Region’s councils and Members of Parliament , we can make sure that it is a business case that is read and understood in Westminster and make it an easy choice to place the Green investment Bank here.
Financial Leeds is partnering with the Local Enterprise Partnership for Leeds City Region, Leeds, York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and CO2 Sense to promote the region as the best location for the proposed Green Investment Bank.
Blog post currently doesn't have any comments.