THE economy of the North Yorkshire region is out performing many other parts of Britain according to a report from enterprise bosses.

The Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) says economic growth increased by 6.2 per cent - compared to 5.8 per cent for partnerships nationally - in the two years from 2011 to 2013. By 2014 that had risen up 6.9 per cent in the county, although the national figure is not yet available.

This year the group which covers North Yorkshire, York and the East Riding received over £122m through the Governments Local Growth Fund to invest in infrastructure up to 2021.

The figures are revealed in the LEP’s annual report, they say their ambition is to increase growth by £3bn creating an extra 20,000 new jobs in the next six years.

LEP’s were created following the disbanding of development agencies such as Yorkshire Forward in 2012. They were set up to work with the public and private sector to improve local economies, particularly encouraging small businesses.

Projects in North Yorkshire include upgrading the A6136 at Catterick as well as developments at Harrogate College and Malton’s Agro Business Park. The LEP also played a key role in planning permission being given for the new potash mine near Whitby.

Chair Barry Dodd said:”We are the LEP with the largest geographical area.We have a wealth of small and micro-businesses as well as some world-class business assets, from the innovative carbon capture and storage technology, to the cutting edge National Agri-Food Innovation Centre, through to the recently approved £1.7bn investment into the potash mine, near Whitby.

“The potash mine is by far the largest private sector investment in the north of England and will boost North Yorkshire’s economy by six per cent, around £1bn each year. It’s a chance that our area couldn’t miss and I’m proud of the LEP’s role as principal economic consultee.”

North Yorkshire County Council says the area is now one of the top growing economies compared to other Local Enterprise Partnerships across the North of England.

Councillor Chris Metcalfe, executive member for economic development, said: “It is encouraging to see the progress that has been made in helping businesses to grow and the ambitions for the coming years. The work of the LEP is vital in developing the vibrant, entrepreneurial economy of North Yorkshire and the wider region.

“Across the region, we have major opportunities, including potash mining and the Dogger Bank wind farm. The efforts of the LEP are central to making the most of these opportunities by investing in people, infrastructure and transport links, while all the time helping the region’s many small businesses to grow.”

The annual report is available in the news section of the LEP’s website www.businessinspiredgrowth.com