Pictured above: Phil Bramhall Skills Development Mangager at emda, Pamela Hargreaves Director of Partnerships at Enterprise UK and Chris Shaw, Unleashing Enterprise.

Three public sector organisations committed to increasing entrepreneurial activity across the East Midlands have committed to work together in tri-part model, the first of its kind in the UK.

East Midlands Development Agency (emda), Unleashing Enterprise and Enterprise UK this week signed a Memorandum of Understanding, which creates a unique working model.

The three organisations will collaborate, share information and work in partnership to encourage people across the East Midlands to realise their entrepreneurial potential.

Unleashing Enterprise, which is funded by emda and managed by Prevista, is already working closely with East Midlands' employers, schools, further and higher education institutions, enterprise agencies, policy makers and bodies such as The Prince's Trust. This network and partnership approach will now be extended to include Enterprise UK, which was founded in 2004 by the British Chamber of Commerce, the Confederation of British Industry, the Institute of Directors and the Federation of Small Businesses.

Diana Gilhespy, emda's Executive Director of Regeneration, said: "The East Midlands is viewed as one of the most forward thinking regions when it comes to delivering programmes that boost enterprise skills levels at the grass roots. Through Unleashing Enterprise, we work hard to bring individuals, communities, schools, colleges, universities and business partners together to create a culture, which supports enterprising people. 

"This memorandum of understanding shows our commitment to building on the excellent partnerships that already exist in the East Midlands and developing these at a national level through Enterprise UK. We look forward to working more closely with the organisation to bring greater benefits to the region by sharing good practice and information to lift enterprise aspirations amongst young people." 

Enterprise UK, which spearheaded Global Entrepreneurship Week activities across the UK earlier this month is also behind activities such as Make Your Mark In The Markets, Enterprising Britain Competition and the Enterprising Places Network.

Pamela Hargreaves, Director of Partnerships at Enterprise UK, says the partnership will bring benefits on both a national and regional level: "Enterprise UK is committed to creating sustainable partnerships with local and regional organisations in all regions but we are particularly delighted to be signing this Memorandum of Understanding in the East Midlands because it reflects very firmly our wish to add value to existing activities in a region and work through already established organisations. There are some very exciting things happening in the region and nationally during this time of opportunity and we look forward to working with Unleashing Enterprise and emda to maximise the benefits for a whole new generation of aspiring entrepreneurs.