EEDA - East of England Development Agency

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Economic Participation

Unlocking the region's potential is essential for creating sustainable economic growth.

Through the Economic Participation programme, EEDA is working to improve employability and increase economic opportunities for individuals to participate fully in the region's economy.

Why some people are unable to participate fully

The East of England is experiencing economic success in many areas, however there are still people unable to participate fully in the economy.

This could be due to:

• lack of suitable skills, confidence or aspiration
• lack of access to appropriate support and training
• lack of capital for starting their own business
• long-term health problems
• employers' perceptions or practices.

Why economic participation is important to the East of England

We need to harness the time and skills of people who aren't currently able to participate in the economy. This is because:

• economic growth is dependent on a growing workforce
• the economy can't reach its full potential if skilled workers are not participating
• non-participation often results in costs to the economy such as benefit payments
• increasing participation raises the quality of life for individuals and communities.

How will economic participation be achieved?

EEDA is identifying the barriers to economic participation and enabling individuals to access jobs or start their own business.

This will involve:

• raising skill levels and addressing employment barriers
• maximising the economic benefits of migrant workers
• stimulating enterprise - for example, helping business start-ups access funding
• building capacity in the third sector - such as charities and the voluntary sector
• developing regional intelligence and influencing policy
• identifying and sharing good practice.

EEDA manages a range of programmes that address region-wide issues of economic participation. It also works with local partners at a sub-regional level to tackle specific local needs and deliver investment into local projects.

Latest news

• Launch of money management training programme in the East of England 4 December 2009 A unique project to help people improve their financial skills and get them back into work has received a £400,000 European funding boost through the East of England Development Agency (EEDA).
• Eco-hub helps disadvantaged young entrepreneurs 11 September 2009 Young disadvantaged entrepreneurs within Southend-on-Sea are set to get a helping hand in starting up an environmentally-friendly business with the launch of a brand new facility providing affordable workspace.
• Business confidence in region improving 21 August 2009 Business confidence and expectations are better than they have ever been at any time since the recession began, according to the latest report from the region’s economic intelligence centre Insight East.
• New regional leader needed to steer the East of England to economic upturn 8 June 2009 An exciting opportunity awaits one regional business leader, as the recruitment drive to find the next chair of the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) gets underway on 14 June.
• Budget will support businesses and boost innovative sectors - Ellis 22 April 2009 Richard Ellis, chair of EEDA, welcomed the Budget announcement today saying it will help businesses and employees through the downturn and support the region’s UK-leading biotech, sustainable energy, and low carbon technology sectors to grow.

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