LOCAL Enterprise Partnerships have certainly hit the headlines over the past few weeks. The Government has received 56 local enterprise partnership proposals – six from our region, including a North-East-wide bid that complements the local plans.

And now, we await the Comprehensive Spending Review which will, to a great extent, shape the future landscape of business support in our region – and across the UK.

However, despite these somewhat uncertain times, the key focus must remain on providing North-East businesses with support and guidance to ensure they continue to grow and prosper.

Until any proposed policy or funding changes become concrete, many support organisations must continue unabated.

As a board member of one of these organisations, Business and Enterprise North-East, I would strongly encourage people to continue accessing these services.

It is vital that we reassure customers that services such as Business Link and Compete North- East are open for business – and continue to support thousands of businesses across our region with tailored support, advice and access to funding.

Despite some cutbacks, there is still the same high quality of support available.

There is also a range of funding, which can be accessed through the same channels such as the North-East England Investment Centre, which can be used to help businesses grow and diversify.

The North-East is home to many outstanding companies that have made a significant contribution to the economic prosperity of the region.

Our area can boast superb firms that sit at the heart of the economy, businesses that have showcased worldleading products, services that compete in a global marketplace and companies helping to position the region as an internationally-renowned hub for the development of technology.

The spirit of enterprise is obviously alive in every part of our region – and it is vital that we continue to encourage this.

Fundamentally, businesses will always be at the heart of the agenda and whatever the outcome of the Local Enterprise Partnerships, the comprehensive spending review and the Regional Growth Fund, the North- East will continue to be a great place to start and grow a business.

■ Chris Beaumont is the North East Chamber of Commerce Tees Valley committee chairman.