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

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