ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the development and delivery of the Local Enterprise Agency (LEA) model of business support, setting it within the context of a changing economic and political environment over a 30-year period. The LEA model has offered solutions to policy problems posed in widely differing economic and political climates. In 1986 the Government introduced the Local Enterprise Agencies Grant Scheme (LEAGS) to offer grant assistance towards core costs for smaller LEAs, decreasing over five years, on the condition that private-sector funds could be found by each agency to match the value of the grant they received. Further funding became available in 1988 with the Local Enterprise Agencies Project Scheme (LEAPS) providing matched funds for special projects targeting inner-city regeneration. The Tyneside Economic Development Company Ltd (TEDCO) goes beyond the core provision of information, advice and guidance to deliver targeted services around ideas, motivation, knowledge gaps, personal barriers, coaching, mentoring and advice.
