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 East Sussex is a county of contrastsEast 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 averageRelatively low economic productivity - GVA 69% of UK average Job Seekers Allowance claimant rate - 2.5% (lower than national average, but higher than the South East)Job Seekers Allowance claimant rate - 2.5% (lower than 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/3 rd 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