Brief history: Since its inception in 1982 as an innovative response to rising unemployment, through to the present day as a unique and leading economic development Company, GLE has been working to create jobs, grow businesses and support the UK's most disadvantaged communities move into work. Set up by London's Greater London Council (GLC), the Greater London Enterprise Board was the first Enterprise Board to be established, setting the foundations of the model in use today, with an innovative structure of a publicly owned Independently run company which pursued both profit and not for profit activities.
When the GLC was abolished in 1986 the Board became an independent company, changed its name to Greater London Enterprise (GLE) and became reliant on its own income to fund its activities. Profits from GLE's commercial activities were reinvested in delivering not-for-profit activities.
During the 1990s public policy became increasingly focused on urban renewal, which resulted in GLE providing technical assistance and consulting services to the London boroughs and organisations in the field of urban regeneration.
Aim of the organisation: GLE Group is a leading provider of services, products and investment in business accommodation, finance for business, enterprise development and consultancy services.
Additional information: Greater London Enterprise Limited is a Company Limited by Guarantee and so does not have shareholders but does have guarantors (Members). The Company was established and funded in 1982 by a number of London Boroughs (the Original Members). It has 41 current members - 8 are Private Members (being individuals) and 13 are the Original Members (the London Boroughs of Brent, Camden, Ealing, Greenwich, Hackney, Fulham, Haringey, Hounslow, Islington, Lambeth, Lewisham, Newham and Southwark). The remaining 20 members are New Ordinary Members and are the remaining London Boroughs admitted after the date of adoption of the current articles (13 November 1997). Croydon is not an original member but is a New Ordinary Member.
Each of the Private Members have 14 votes (article no 17), the Original Members have one vote each (article no 17) and the new Ordinary Members are not entitled to vote (see article no 18). Croydon therefore does not have a vote.