Foreword
Foreword
East Sussex is a vibrant county. It has a population of around 550,000, supporting some 246,000 jobs and generating economic output of around £9.9 billion. Like the rest of the UK we have faced major challenges in both the national and local economy over recent years – Covid19 was a significant economic shock and the effects of the current cost of living crisis continue to be felt right across our communities. But there are strong reasons for optimism: the county enjoys a superb natural environment, with an excellent quality of life supported by outstanding coast and countryside, a thriving cultural offer and strong, locally based ambitious businesses. We have an excellent record in supporting innovation and growth, our workforce is increasingly skilled and adaptable thanks to strong partnerships between employers and training providers, we have a vibrant voluntary, community and social enterprise sector, and our colleges and universities are important drivers of growth. We are now reaping the benefits of the effective, well-established partnerships that have been built over the years.
We have spent the past year reviewing what the economic evidence says about East Sussex and talking to key stakeholders and partners, including Team East Sussex’s sectoral boards, individual businesses and young people about the future they want to see for the county. Over 300 stakeholders have contributed their views, and we are immensely grateful for the valuable time and contributions that have so willingly been given in helping us to draw together this new strategy. It shows how deeply we all care about this beautiful county and the future of those who live and work in it.
East Sussex Prosperity is a strategy with a long-term view. Looking to 2050, it seeks to secure sustainable economic growth, setting out how over the next generation, East Sussex can secure better opportunities and living standards for people who live in the county and how businesses can thrive and grow. It will remain a fluid and dynamic strategy, updated to reflect changes locally and nationally as we progress towards 2050. Our next steps will be to develop a high-level plan outlining the missions needed to deliver the vision of a more prosperous future for all. The success of delivery will be partly dependent on a range of factors over the coming years, but we are confident that by working together and pooling our respective strengths, success can be achieved.
We commend this strategy to you and can assure you of the commitment of Team East Sussex and its partners to developing an inclusive economy that is more sustainable and more productive than it is today. Our vision is that:
By 2050, East Sussex will be a place where people live and work well. It will be characterised by well-paid work and good opportunities; innovative and thriving businesses; and an excellent quality of life in an outstanding natural environment.
David Sheppard
Chair, Team East Sussex
Councillor Keith Glazier
Leader, East Sussex County Council