The Minister chaired the forum with Richard Ellis, chair of the East of England Development Agency (EEDA).
Forum members will include:
- Richard Ellis - Chair, EEDA
- Deborah Cadman - Chief Executive, EEDA
- John Reynolds - Chair East of England Regional Assembly (EERA)
- Brian Stewart - Chief Executive EERA
- Chris Hilliard-Director - Government Office for the East of England
- Caroline Neville - Regional Director Learning and Skills Council
- Lynda Russell - Regional Director Jobcentre Plus
- Neil McKay - NHS East of England Chief Executive
- Naisha Polaine - Regional Director Housing Corporation
- Simon Bishop - Director English Partnerships
- Gwyn Drake - Regional Director Highways Agency
- Michael Large - Group Director East of England Business
- David Burch - Federation of Small Businesses
- Richard Tunnicliffe - East of England CBI
- Jerry Golland - Institute of Directors
- Caroline Williams - Norfolk Chamber of Commerce & Industry
- Caroline Tapster - Chair of East of England local authority Chief Executives
- Megan Dobney - Regional Secretary TUC
- Richard Howitt -MEP
The group will meet on a monthly basis in different areas of the region to coordinate public sector activity on the economy and establish ways of joining up efforts to speed up Government response to economic, employment, financial and housing challenges in the region.
The Forum will also feed back to the National and Regional Economic Councils and Council of Regional Ministers information and advise on particular issues in the East of England and actions taken to counter these
Barbara Follett said:
"I am very pleased that, following the announcement of the formation of the East of England Regional Economic Forum last week, we are now ready to move forward to try and address the economic issues affecting the region. I am glad that the foundation of the economy is so strong in the East of England. However we need to be prepared to resolve the short- and long-term issues arising from the economic downturn.
"The members of the Regional Economic Forum bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table and I know that we will be able to work together effectively for the good of the East of England."
Richard Ellis said:
"The regional economy is well-placed to weather the current tough economic times and as an 'engine' of the national economy it is imperative that we act quickly to restore business confidence.
"With representatives from local and national government, business-led bodies such as EEDA, private businesses and also trade unions, the regional economic forum will provide the leadership and direction needed to respond quickly and effectively to changing circumstances.
"I welcome the opportunity to co-chair the forum and look forward to taking this initiative forward for the benefit of those who live, work and invest in the East of England."
