EEDA - Press release - Economic summits to be held to drive successful growth

Economic summits to be held to drive successful growth

Media centre > Economic summits to be held to drive successful growth

Economic summits to be held to drive successful growth

5 June 2008

Businesses, the public sector and those involved and interested in the economic success of the region are invited to a series of 'economic summits'.

Businesses, the public sector and those involved and interested in the economic success of the region are invited to a series of 'economic summits' organised by the East of England Regional Assembly (EERA) with the East of England Development Agency (EEDA).

The annual meetings are being held in locations across the region over the next couple of weeks. They provide opportunities to discuss EEDA's local and regional activities together with the major investment priorities for the sub-regions which will be used to influence the final East of England Implementation Plan, led by EEDA, EERA and the Government Office for the East of England.

The first summit is being held in Luton on 9 June followed by meetings in Cambridge, Colchester and Thetford.

David Marlow, EEDA chief executive said:

"The economic summits being held over the next couple of weeks are an opportunity to discuss the key areas where investment is required to drive sustainable economic growth over the next few years and also give partners an opportunity to understand EEDA's impact in the local area and find out more about its policymaking and delivery roles.

"EERA and EEDA and other partners continue to successfully work together to achieve common goals, as the key strategies for securing the region's growth and success for the next couple of decades are finalised over the coming months."

Cllr Alan Dean, EERA spokesman said:

"Anyone with an interest in the future development of their locality should come to one of these events which will provide opportunities to question EEDA on their work supporting the region's economy."

Those attending can also contribute to the forward planning of sustainable development in the region and make a real impact on future economic programmes at the local level.

The regional spatial strategy (RSS) and the soon-to-be-adopted regional economic strategy (RES) give a clear spatial and economic direction for sustainable development in the East of England over the next 15-20 years.

This direction will be supported by an East of England Implementation Plan which will set out how the region can make best use of investment and strategic programmes to achieve the goals set out in the RES and RSS and also to prepare the region's bid to the government through the expanded Funding Allocations Process in 2008/09.

Four meetings will be held across the region:

9 June, 4-7pm Putteridge Bury Campus, Luton
11 June, 4-7pm Trinity Centre, Cambridge
23 June, 4-7pm Best Western, Marks Tey, Colchester
24 June, 4-7pm Center Parcs, Thetford