the picture in east sussex
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The Picture in East Sussex. The Picture in East Sussex. James Harris Acting Assistant Director - Economy East Sussex County Council. James Harris Acting Assistant Director - Economy East Sussex County Council. Econom ic context. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
The Picture in East Sussex
James Harris
Acting Assistant Director - Economy
East Sussex County Council
James Harris
Acting Assistant Director - Economy
East Sussex County Council
The Picture in East Sussex
Economic context
• EasEast Sussex is a county of contrasts t Sussex is a county of contrasts
• Still have areas of deprivationStill have areas of deprivation
• Economy dominated by small/medium businessesEconomy dominated by small/medium businesses
• Some sector strengths e.g. advanced manufacturingSome sector strengths e.g. advanced manufacturing
• Transport and infrastructure challengesTransport and infrastructure challenges
• Relatively low economic productivity - GVA 69% of UK Relatively low economic productivity - GVA 69% of UK averageaverage
• Job Job SSeekers Allowance claimant rate - eekers Allowance claimant rate - 2.5% (lower than 2.5% (lower than national average, but higher than the South East)national average, but higher than the South East)
Most deprived Least deprived
Index of Employment Deprivation 2010
Why is economic growth important?• Improve quality of life of residents
• Reduce deprivation and demand for services
• Central government changes to local government funding
We need to provide an environment in which businesses can flourish
East Sussex is on the up…
• Economic performance improving GVA up 6% since 2009
• Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) claimants lowest number since December 2008
• More qualified residents since 2001
• Significant investment in economic interventions during a period of financial austerity
East Sussex assets• High quality natural environment – AONB, National Park,
heritage coast
• Strong cultural offer – Glyndebourne, Charleston, Jerwood, De la Warr, Towner
• Strong political support for economic development across the county
• Varied SME base – less vulnerable to ‘economic shocks’
• Working in partnership …
District & Borough Councils
South East Local Enterprise Partnership
Locate East Sussex/Let’s Do Business Group
East Sussex Rural Partnership
SeaChange Sussex
Local Partnerships/3rd Sector
Working in partnership
District and Borough Partnerships
Hastings & Bexhill Taskforce
Facilitation intervention
• Market failure has led to a change of emphasis
• Funding – grants and loans - £10m+
• Economic infrastructure – Broadband, roads, rail, commercial buildings
• New Skills and Employability strategy
• SME Commission
And finally ….
• Less about deprivation
• More about unlocking the growth potential of East Sussex