Birmingham’s plans for its local enterprise partnership have been given a boost after community leaders in Solihull voted to get on board.

Solihull Council has agreed to submit a proposal with Birmingham Council to create an LEP – the new bodies which will replace regional development agencies as part of new Government plans.

Prospective bidders have until September 6 to get plans into place for LEPs, which will be partnerships between businesses and local authorities who will work together to create the right environment for business and economic growth.

At a meeting of the Solihull Council cabinet on Thursday August 19, members discussed the options of joining a partnership with Birmingham or with Coventry and Warwickshire and opted for the second city.

Council leader Ian Hedley said: “We made the decision to form a partnership with Birmingham as Solihull’s main economic assets – the airport, NEC, business parks and in the future, the high speed rail link are already linked to Birmingham. We also share strong transport and housing links.

“This infrastructure will be vital to the future development of our economy, so it makes sense to form a LEP with Birmingham that will allow us to capitalize on the strengths of business and the two councils to help put Birmingham and Solihull at the top, as a place to invest, innovate and do business.

“We are also committed to working closely with our neighbours and other LEPs in our region to improve the whole enterprise environment.”