‘A prosperous region delivering a high quality of life for everyone, now and in the future’ Regional Sustainable Development Framework 2001

The four themes of Sustainable Development Social progress which recognises the needs of everyone Effective protection of and investment in environmental assets Prudent use of natural resources Maintenance of high and stable levels of economic growth and employment

South East economic strength 8 million people £145 bn economy 3.1% annual growth rate – highest in the UK 255,000 businesses Locomotive of the UK economy - £18 bn net contribution to public finances - Largest exporter in the UK - £28bn exports - Highest manufacturing value-added

High Value Added Sectors 30% of UK business research and development 33% of UK aerospace and defence turnover 23% of UK marine industries value added 30% of UK pharmaceutical manufacturing employment 60% of UK motorsports workforce

International Comparisons Among 40 Top Regions Globally South East Ranks: 6 th in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and chemicals 8 th in IT and computer manufacturing 10 th in instrumentation and electrical machinery 19 th in high-tech mechanical engineering

Environmental Assets One third of UK’s ancient woodland One quarter of the UK’s chalk grassland and 40% of the UK’s heathland 32% of the UK’s meadows and pastures One third of the region designated as AONB 72 km of Heritage Coast A rich historic and built heritage

Social Imbalance 150,000 unemployed people – a higher number than six other English regions 170,000 households on income support 119 of the worst 20% wards nationally 1 million people unable to achieve basic skills in reading, writing and numeracy Particular issues of deprivation and exclusion in rural areas

Sub-regional Variations

International Challenges Among 40 global comparators - –Well above average knowledge input e.g. Public sector R&D 43% above average –Well below average output 34th position for GDP per head 35th for labour productivity International competition is intensifying

Sub-regional Variations

Thames Valley Economic Strategy “The Thames Valley is one of Europe’s leading business locations... However, the recent economic downturn when linked with long-standing concerns over the transport network and skills availability shows that we are vulnerable. There is much to do to support our dynamic economy.”

TV Strategic Objectives Sustain economic development by adding value to business activities Strengthen the links between research, education and business Make learning exciting and accessible to all Encourage innovation and entrepreneurship Promote inward investment, particularly in key sectors such as ICT and Life Sciences Secure specific improvements in the infrastructure Ensure that economic development sustains the quality of the natural and built environment

Surrey Economic Partnership “A strong Surrey economy needs to be innovative. To facilitate this there is a need to have significant growth in the knowledge based and higher value added sectors of employment... High growth business start ups and survival rates need to increase and Surrey’s position as a prime international business location must be maintained.”

Surrey : 5 Steps to economic success Facilitating an innovative economy Raising productivity levels in the workforce Encouraging the most efficient and effective use of land and property Reducing dependency on the road network Promoting a culture of corporate responsibility linked to economic success

South Hampshire: vision and aspirations A step change in economic activity generated in terms of GDP to rival international competitor locations Increased social inclusion so that all residents benefit, and all resources are fully utilised Respect for the high quality natural environment, without which economic prosperity and social welfare would be severely damaged

South Hampshire: improving competitiveness “By international standards, the existing businesses are under performing... Given the relatively high costs of labour and property in the area, attempts to compete solely on costs should be avoided, indeed improving competitiveness may require higher costs to ensure the right people and skills and improved operating conditions. Central to achieving this will be the development of improved business networks.”

South Hampshire: increasing social inclusion “The quality of skills, social capital and physical capital of the city-regions need to be improved if economic development is to be effective in generating benefits for the whole community.”

The basis for a ‘smart growth’ economy Innovative, entrepreneurial companies that are encouraged to grow Strong networks for mutual business support and learning A highly educated workforce that is continuously up-skilled An adequate and well managed communications infrastructure A high quality physical and social environment that provides opportunity for all

The 5 Objectives of the Regional Economic Strategy

‘SMART GROWTH’ The 5 Objectives of the Regional Economic Strategy

SEEDA in Oxfordshire

North Oxfordshire Hub –Focuses on Optoelectronics, Advanced Materials, Automotive, Aerospace, Multimedia Technology & Production. South Oxfordshire Hub –Focuses on Life sciences, Bio-Pharma, Marine Technology, Automotive, Aerospace and Environmental Technologies. Faringdon Enterprise Gateway –The first rural gateway. Biotech and Media Networks Enterprise Hubs and networks

Specialist Staff Located in Oxfordshire Phil Clement - Investor Development Manager (IDM) –IDM for Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes to work with existing companies. Geoff Bayley - Sector Skills Development Manager (SSDM) –Funded by SEEDA, housed at MKOB LSC. –Focusing on the priority sectors of their area of Engineering and Advanced Engineering; Health and Social Care; Biotechnology; Environmental Technologies. –key players/sub-regional partners to secure improved productivity of key businesses in the sub-regions.

Learning & Skills Projects Computer Club 4 Girls in South East –It is an out of school club for girls aged –Aim is to redress the negative image with women of the IT industry. –10 Schools in Oxfordshire participating. Oxfordshire Workplace Basic Skills –Provides training needs analysis to identify Basic Skills needs and tailored packages devised and delivered in the workplace. Optranet – Optics Valley –EC Framework 5 funded project to strengthen relationship between industry, academia and secondary schools in the field of optoelectronics. –The project will bridge gap between industry and academia, promoting optoelectronics industry

Social Regeneration Funding of SRB schemes focusing on deprived wards in Oxford City to raise quality of life –Barton Community Regeneration Scheme Estate based regeneration based around Rose Hill Area. –East Oxford Action Training, creating new business improving environment, cultural events. –Leys Linx Community based regeneration scheme in heart of Blackbirds Leys. –Thames Valley Social Enterprise Creation of social enterprise across Oxfordshire and surrounding areas.

Oxford Castle Heritage Project –Based at Castle and Prison, central Oxford with an Area: 1.6 hectares or 3.96 acres –It is a mixed-use development, the scheme will deliver a hotel, serviced apartments, restaurants, cafes, bars, heritage centre and museum, education centre, public open space, 7 private residential dwellings, new pedestrian access routes into and through the site, parking spaces and cycle parking spaces. The hotel will have 87 bedrooms and public areas created from the former Prison. –Development will remediate 2.1 hectares of Brownfield land and create over 250 jobs, significant number of learning hours and create public space. Oxford West End Project –Working with Oxford City and Oxfordshire County Councils on joint approach to the redevelopment West End of City Centre. Physical Regeneration

Developing the rural economy Leader + Farm Diversification Market Towns Local Foods Renewable Energy Development