Overseas Investment in the South East Will Create Almost 2,500 New Jobs
3 July 2008On average 77 jobs per week will be created or safeguarded because of overseas companies assisted by SEEDA.
The success of SEEDA, the South East England Development Agency in securing 77 investments by overseas companies, will create almost 2,500 jobs for the region, according to SEEDA and UKTI South East’s Trade & Investment report published today.
"Despite challenging economic conditions, the results show that SEEDA is attracting increasing levels of valuable high-tech investment to the region. Our objective is to grow the South East's technological capability and to remain competitive in the face of intensifying international competition."
SEEDA Executive Director, Global Competitiveness, Jeff Alexander.
"I am delighted with these results for Trade and Foreign Direct Investment and endorse the importance of attracting world-class businesses to maintain the Region's competitive edge."
CBI Director for the South East, Malcolm Hyde.
An example of a successful investment, the largest this year, was by french-owned company, Astrium in Portsmouth that secured 360 jobs. This was a result of a €500 million European Space Agency (ESA) satellite project awarded to companies in the UK. The bid was put forward with the help of SEEDA and collaboration with two other RDAs.
"UKTI South East had an excellent year, where 85% of our clients reported good or excellent service. We encourage all South East companies thinking about their overseas strategy to get in touch as soon as possible."
UKTI South East Director, Lewis Scott.
Key SEEDA-assisted Investment Trends for 2007 – 8
- 81% of investments are high-tech. The number of R&D investments has doubled since last year
- 40% investments are in the ICT sector
- 2,489 jobs will be created and 1,587 jobs safeguarded over the next three years by companies who have been helped by SEEDA
- UK Trade & Investment South East has advised over 3,500 companies looking to trade overseas.
- Investments came from 20 different sectors, confirming the region’s diversity.
For more information please contact our press office
Tel: 01483 470155
