East Midlands Development Agency (emda) held its ninth Annual Public Meeting (APM) at The Walkers Stadium in Leicester.  In front of an audience of over 300 people, emda’s Chairman Dr Bryan Jackson, and Chief Executive Jeff Moore, discussed the Agency’s work over the past year to help support the regional economy both over the long term and during the current economic climate.
Bryan Jackson, Phil Hope and Jeff Moore (L-R)
Figures highlighted by Jeff Moore illustrated how 2007-08 was another year of solid performance for emda.  He explained: “We have invested some £175 million pounds of emda funds across a range of projects and programmes to benefit businesses, individuals and communities. 

“Our own contribution to delivering the Regional Economic Strategy is measured through a number of stretching targets set by the Government and I am pleased to report that last year, we achieved or exceeded all of these. 

“We created over 11,000 jobs, supported 25,000 businesses and helped over 21,000 people develop their skills.  These achievements are only possible because of the tremendous support of our many partners and stakeholders across the region, who I would like to thank today.”

During his speech, Jeff Moore also highlighted how business support continues to be the main focus for emda in ensuring the region’s economy remains steady.  He explained:  “emda had to take quick and immediate action to help businesses that were affected by the extreme weather in the summer of 2007. 

“Our flexible approach and work through Business Link meant we were able to give a fleet of foot response, and we have applied the same approach this year to make £1m available to businesses needing additional energy and resource efficiency support at a time of rising fuel costs.”

To show delegates the breadth of the Agency’s work, the APM incorporated a DVD.  This featured a number of emda-funded projects, including the Anthony Nolan Cell Therapy Centre in Nottingham, the Fenland Green Power Co-operative in Lincolnshire, the Leicester-based East Midlands India Business Bureau which provided support to David Thomas Ltd, a Northampton manufacturer, and Whaley Bridge in Derbyshire.    

Phil Hope MP, the newly appointed Minister of State for Health, and Minister for the East Midlands, also attended the event.  Here, he spoke about his work with emda to promote the importance of skills in ensuring a competitive workforce, and the crucial role of Regional Development Agencies like emda in delivering for the English regions and overall UK economy:

“In recent days and weeks, the focus has been on the economic downturn of the UK economy. I will continue to work with colleagues in Whitehall to ensure that the support Government is giving meets the needs of our region, and, as the lead economic agency in the region, I look to emda as a key partner to help the East Midlands weather the storm. 

“It is crucial that we work together.  Skills, employment, inward investment and innovation all have a role to play.

“It is fortunate that, despite the economic climate at this time, in the East Midlands we have a robust and diverse economy and a relatively high level of employment which will help us to be resilient in the challenges we face.  Working together, pooling our skills and experience to deliver the Regional Economic Strategy, we can continue to make the East Midlands a flourishing region.”

emda’s Chairman, Dr Bryan Jackson, was keen to reiterate this message, reassuring delegates of the strong position that the East Midlands is in to overcome the economic downturn. 

Commenting on the global financial crisis, he said:  “We must all prepare ourselves for more difficult times ahead.  We know that it is harder for business to raise capital to fund investments, operational costs – especially for energy – are increasing, as are commodities.  The individual consumer is facing higher prices for energy and at the supermarket.  It has happened at a pace, and to a depth, that many have never experienced in their lifetimes.

“It is not, however, the first time the East Midlands has faced and risen to challenge.  Over the last 40 years, the region has experienced a long term restructuring of key industries which has been balanced by the growth in new service industries and the creative economy.”

Using the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS), innovation networks (iNets) and Science Technology Engineering and Maths (STEM) programmes as examples of how emda has continued to stay close to the changing demands of the regional economy, Bryan Jackson closed his speech by urging businesses in the region to make the most of the commercial opportunities related to London 2012. 

Finally, in an open question and answer session - chaired by Nicholas Owen, BBC News 24 Presenter and the event compere - delegates were able to discuss topical issues in more detail with emda’s Chairman and Chief Executive.

In addition, key emda projects and programmes were also on display at the exhibition.

The APM saw the formal publication of the 2007-09 Annual Performance Report – visit http://www.emda.org.uk/about/annualreport.asp to download a copy.