An inspiring keynote address was made by Dr Nigel Wilson, Group Chief Executive of Legal & General, which has two offices located in the region.
During his welcome address, Tim Wates, Coast to Capital chairman said: "This has been an exciting year for Coast to Capital. Following the announcement of our Growth Deal, a significant projects delivery programme has begun. With our local partners, we have combined to form a strong and united approach which reflects our region's priorities for investment, infrastructure and business support."
Following a warm welcome from Tim Wates, Dr Wilson talked about the value of constructive collaboration. He spoke of the need for enlightened local government, working with a supportive central government that focuses on the right things, and a proportionate, can-do attitude to economic growth by the regulators and business leaders.
He said: "At Legal & General, we believe the LEPs initiative is a very important way in which to encourage regeneration, development, jobs and growth, and particularly to encourage more local economic decision-making, in partnership between local authorities and local private sector employers. We support Coast to Capital's approach of long term investment in infrastructure, in R&D and in vocational education to unlock the supply side and create long-lasting prosperity through productivity gains."
The Coast to Capital Forum meets every six months and brings together local authorities, business organisations and academics from West Sussex, Brighton and Lewes, Croydon and the Gatwick Diamond. The focus for this event was Coast to Capital's Growth Deal projects, which will result in nearly £240 million investment in our region between 2016 and 2021.
Ron Crank, Coast to Capital chief executive, concluded: "We look to the future knowing that our Growth Deal projects are underway and these will provide a fitting legacy for all our collective efforts."
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