The new Council will be made up of representatives of businesses and organisations from a range of sectors across the South East, and will provide a forum for them to voice their concerns about economic issues that may be affecting them in the current financial climate.
The new Council will work collectively to address key regional challenges and ensure that South East concerns are fed back to decision-making bodies at the heart of Government, such as the Regional Economic Council, which is co-chaired by Alistair Darling and Lord Mandelson, and the Council of Regional Ministers, which is co-chaired by Liam Byrne and Yvette Cooper.
The new Council gives those most aware of the effects of the economic downturn in the region an opportunity to influence those making decisions at the highest level.
Jonathan Shaw said:
“This new regional body will be an important forum for organisations, including South East businesses, large and small, to share their concerns and experiences about how the current economic climate is impacting upon them, and to influence the key decision makers.
“I believe we will also be able to work together productively to tackle head-on many of the challenges faced by the South East. This will mean that we can help to make a real difference to people in the region who have been affected.”
Jim Brathwaite said:
"I am delighted to be co-chairing the South East Economic Delivery Council. The best way to approach the serious issues - and opportunities - facing the South East economy today is for the public sector to work with businesses and communities to understand their difficulties and address them together. This council will enable us to do just that, to mitigate the effects of the current economic downturn and ensure we come through it much stronger.
"We will be assessing in detail the impact of the current economic uncertainty upon the South East, and identifying and delivering actions to help the region both weather the coming storm and emerge better able to take advantage of the opportunities the upturn will bring."
Members of the new Council include the SEEDA Chief Executive, Pam Alexander, Government Office Regional Director, Colin Byrne, and Regional Director of the Institute of Directors, Rodger Broad.
