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22 June 2004 - Guildford

More than 100 leaders from business, education, local and central government met Andrew Smith MP at the first South East Summit held in Guildford on 22 June 2004. Andrew Smith, MP for Oxford East and Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, is the region’s only Cabinet Minister.

Delegates and speakers called on the Minister to support the South East in order to ensure that it continues to be a competitive and prosperous region. The event was jointly organised by the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) and the South East England Regional Assembly.

Andrew Smith MP

Chairing a ‘Question Time’ style the Minister said:

“The important issues facing the South East are a need for more housing and the continued desire for more investment in roads, rails and Broadband access. Training must be more responsive to the needs of businesses and we need to spread best practice and forge closer links between educational establishments and business. The answer is not just about having more resources, it is about doing things smarter, and government departments and local authorities can learn a lot from businesses.”

Nick Skellett

In reply Cllr Nick Skellett, Chair of the South East England Regional Assembly, said:

“We must improve productivity in the region and build quality housing with a decent infrastructure which is distributed effectively. We need a long-term vision for the South East that makes sense for the next generation. It is essential to have long term planning so that this region remains an attractive place to live as well as an attractive location for businesses.”

Jim Brathwaite

SEEDA Chairman Jim Brathwaite CBE added:

“The South East is a Power Brand which produces profits for the country as a whole, so continued investment is essential to retain this position.”

Other speakers at the event included South East England Regional Assembly Chief Executive Paul Bevan, and SEEDA Chief Executive Pam Alexander. Presentations from both chief executives appear below. Also joining the debate were Richard McCarthy, Director General of Sustainable Communities at the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, and Rolande Anderson, Deputy Director General Innovation Group at the Department for Trade and Industry.

Last updated: 03 August 2007