Business leaders discuss economy

A new business council formed to tackle economic issues in the South East is meeting for the first time.

Members of the South East Economic Delivery Council (SEEDC) will be addressing challenges facing businesses in the current financial climate.

It will be led by Jonathan Shaw, regional minister for the South East, and Jim Brathwaite, South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) chairman.

A range of sectors are represented in the newly formed council.

During the private meeting at the Department for Work and Pensions offices in London they hope to "address key regional challenges" and the effects of the economic downturn, a spokesperson said.

The outcome will be fed back to "decision making bodies at the heart of government".

'Weather the storm'

Mr Brathwaite said: "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."

He said the council will help businesses "weather the coming storm" and "take advantage of the opportunities the upturn will bring".

Mr Shaw added: "I believe we will be able to work together productively to tackle head-on many of the challenges faced by the South East."

Members of the new council include SEEDA chief executive Pam Alexander, government office regional director, Colin Byrne, and the regional director of the Institute of Directors, Rodger Broad.

SEEDA covers Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Berkshire and Oxfordshire.