01.08.19
East Sussex GVA up by 23% in seven years
INVESTMENT in East Sussex has been credited for the creation of more than 2,000 jobs in the last five years.
East Sussex County Council worked with partners to secure more than £600 million in capital investment since launching a growth strategy for the county in 2014.
The investment, which could see the creation of a further 1,000 jobs, was highlighted in the council’s annual ‘State of County report,’ presented to Cabinet.
Council leader Cllr Keith Glazier (in photo) said: “We are proud of the alliances we have formed, which have enabled us to win some invaluable funding bids to ensure the economy of East Sussex continues to grow and thrive.”
Since 2012 East Sussex’s GVA – the industry standard for measuring growth in the economy, has risen by 23%.
Cllr Rupert Simmons, lead member for economy, added: “We have invested in new infrastructure which has helped businesses to expand while improving the skills of our workforce.
“We have raised the prospects for our young generation to have exciting careers in East Sussex, something we should be incredibly proud of.”
With driving economic growth a key priority, the county council has focused on projects which have enabled business growth, enhanced infrastructure and improved skills training and work readiness.
These include:
- Securing Local Growth Fund capital grant funding from the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) to support the development of commercial property
- Development of the Growth Hub for East Sussex, delivering a one-stop shop for business support services
- Introduction of a grants and loans programme to allow local businesses to expand premises, buy equipment and take on new employees
- The continued rollout of superfast broadband
- Investment in the road network
- The launch of Skills East Sussex to address the needs of key growth sectors in the county