Neil Parkin, Leader of Adur District Council, has taken over the Chairmanship of the Greater Brighton Economic Board today (14th July 2015) for the coming year as part of the annual rotation of chair across each partner local authority.
Neil said
"The Greater Brighton Economic Board isn't an organisation that many will know yet,” Neil says, “but we are already seeing its effects across the region.
As representatives of all of the key sectors in the Greater Brighton area, the 16 partners aim to establish the area as the most successful economy in the South East, delivering a range of meaningful economic growth projects. Adur and Worthing Councils are key members, and we have already received funding to the tune of over £18million from the Board and Local Growth Fund through the Coast To Capital Growth Deal.
“This funding is driving forward significant flood defence projects in Shoreham to protect homes and businesses for generations to come; the Advanced Engineering Centre, based at the University of Brighton's Moulsecoomb campus and partnered with Ricardo, is already nearing construction and will dramatically influence our region’s technical skills; and Worthing’s Connectivity Public Realm Scheme, in conjunction with the investment prospectus work lead by West Sussex County Council, will revolutionise the town centre - driving footfall and investment.
None of this would be possible without strategically looking outside of our borders as District and Borough Authorities, identifying key opportunities to form strong partnerships and maximising the impact of growth opportunities for our communities,” Neil continues.
“As a former Vice Chairman for the Area Investment Framework (a SEEDA initiative), I believe that I have a deep understanding of the whole Greater Brighton region, its communities, its businesses and its unique opportunities for significant economic and social growth.
Over the next year, I am keen to see the Economic Board increase its share of voice in policy debates and decisions at a national level, leading the way in partnership economic development initiatives. At a local level, I want to help the Board forge meaningful connections with local businesses and communities - whether that’s through establishing a website to share important news, or by increasing the profile of the Board through the media. It will also be important to identify opportunities to unlock the potential of the natural assets of the South Downs National Park to deliver sustainable development for the region. I am determined to help the Board support common economic objectives that benefit our communities and businesses across the wider sub regional area which includes Adur & Worthing; Lewes; Mid-Sussex and Brighton and Hove."