Complacency is the greatest threat to the South East’s continued success, and today saw Government and key leaders from the region unite in their resolve to challenge this threat and support sustainable economic growth across the region.

At a conference jointly hosted by the South East England Regional Assembly (The Assembly) and the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA), Treasury Minister John Healey MP, Transport Minister Dr Stephen Ladyman MP and around 150 key regional business and community leaders identified action to tackle this crucial issue for the South East. The message was clear – our competitive advantage lies in the quality of life that the region offers. We need to meet the challenge of global competition, go for ‘smart’ growth through increased productivity and employability, and be ready to make hard choices to deliver environmental sustainability.

The business sector is already rising to the challenge posed by an ever increasing global economy, but Government support is essential to pump prime private sector funds that will help ensure the South East’s continued prosperity – and its role as the driving force of the UK economy. Key investment needs highlighted at the Conference to support these aspirations included transport infrastructure, affordable homes, IT, skills and education – but delegates also called attention to the need for future growth to be sustainable and for additional help to maintain business competitiveness.

Conference Chairman, James E. Brathwaite CBE, Chairman of SEEDA, said: “The South East is already in some respects a world class region so it’s all too easy to believe this means stability to continue as the engine of the UK economy. But there is no comfort zone for our region – no easy option to live off past success. With the global economy changing faster than ever, businesses in the South East know they must innovate and evolve continuously to compete effectively and thrive. Today has been an excellent opportunity for key regional leaders from both the private and public sectors to discuss with Government in practical terms how we can work together to ensure the continued sustainable growth and prosperity for the region.”

Assembly Chairman, Cllr. Keith Mitchell, said: “Government needs to recognise the huge infrastructure bill that we face in the South East. Private sector investment is vital too but, without serious Government commitment to infrastructure funding, we stand no chance of attracting private funds. Our region’s quality of life and the significant contribution the region makes year-on-year to the Exchequer are at risk if we do not receive the support we need to grow in a sustainable way and to keep the engine room of UK plc running.”

For further information, or to interview James E. Brathwaite, Chairman, SEEDA or Pam Alexander, Chief Executive, SEEDA, please contact Debbie Catt, SEEDA Director of Corporate Relations on 01483 484231, email debbiecatt@seeda.co.uk or visit our website at www.seeda.co.uk.

Alternatively, to interview Cllr Keith Mitchell please contact Heather Bolton, Communications Director, South East England Regional Assembly on 01483 555 200 or email HeatherBolton@southeast-ra.gov.uk.

Notes to editors:

Conference speakers
Dr Stephen Ladyman MP, Minister of State for Transport, John Healey MP, Financial Secretary, HM Treasury and Stephen Speed, Deputy Director General, Regions, DTI presented the Government’s views in the context of the forthcoming Comprehensive Spending Review.

In response, Cllr. Keith Mitchell, Chairman of The Assembly, Pam Alexander, Chief Executive, SEEDA and Douglas Horner, CBI highlighted the region’s needs in the context of the current Review of the Regional Economic Strategy for the South East and the South East Plan.

About SEEDA
SEEDA is the Government funded agency responsible for the sustainable economic development and regeneration of the South East of England - the driving force of the UK's economy. Our aim is to create a prosperous, dynamic and inspirational region by helping businesses compete more effectively, training a highly skilled workforce, supporting and enabling our communities while safeguarding our natural resources and cherishing our rich cultural heritage.

About the South East England Regional Assembly

1. The South East England Regional Assembly is the "voluntary regional chamber" for the South East. It was established in January 1999 to give a representative voice to the South East region, which covers Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, East and West Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire, and Surrey.
2. The Regional Assembly is made up of 112 members including elected councillors nominated by the region's local authorities and 37 representatives from other sectors of the community (including business, trades unions, education, housing, health, sports, culture, tourism, faith groups, environmental, community and voluntary organisations) as well as the New Forest National Park Authority.
3. The Assembly has three areas of core business:
• It is the representative voice of the South East, engaging and representing its member organisations and, through them, the wider public.
• The Assembly has a specific role under the Regional Development Agencies' Act 1998 to ensure the accountability of the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) to the region.
• The Assembly has been the Regional Planning Body for the South East since April 2001. It has responsibility for proposing strategic planning and transport policies to Government.

Last updated: 21 August 2007