The Get Britain Growing: South East Conference

How do we “Get Britain Growing”?

This was the question asked at our recent conference. Innovation, investment and local government reorganisation were given as some of the answers. The “Get Britain Growing: South East Conference” brought together MPs, business leaders, policymakers, local authorities and innovators to chart a roadmap for sustainable and inclusive regional growth.

The conference recognised that unlocking growth is not about siloed or isolated projects but around strategic connection between sectors, between policy and enterprise, between national and local communities. It highlighted how cross-sector collaborative thinking turns ideas into impactful solutions. 

Shadow Cabinet Member Mims Davies recognised that “the South East is a vital economic region for the UK, boasting strong tech, infrastructure, tourism and green-energy sectors. Yet it also faces significant challenges, including infrastructure strain, skills shortages, and the need for a cohesive regional strategy”.

This analysis was backed up by the Business Secretary Peter Kyle, “As the MP for Hove & Portslade, I already know that there is an army of small businesses and entrepreneurs in the region who are amazing at creating wealth, jobs and innovation. Government has lots of plans to help them - in skills, growth, education and devolved funding to regional mayors, so I can't wait to hear more on this from the local businesses who will be directly impacted."

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sussex, Professor Sasha Roseneil, said, "We are excited about the potential offered by devolution for regional transformation. Working with more than 900 businesses across greater Sussex and beyond, our researchers are already making a very significant contribution to innovation, economic growth, and job creation. Through the education and advanced skills training we provide, we are preparing the next generation for the jobs of the future, and to be the entrepreneurs the country so urgently needs. Under the auspices of our new Civic University Agreement, we look forward to collaborating with local authorities and the soon-to-be-elected Mayor, as well as with major businesses and education providers, in driving forward economic prosperity for Sussex and the whole of the UK." 

For businesses, this was an opportunity to sit at the table with decision-makers, to help shape the environment in which we all live and operate. The attendees engaged in sprint sessions which produced tangible outcomes from development strategies to innovation partnerships across skills and workforce planning, infrastructure and placemaking, digital transformation, clean energy through regional collaboration. 

At Silverstone Communications, we specialise in bringing organisations together to engage effectively with government, business, and communities. By helping clients navigate complex stakeholder environments, we ensure that their voices are heard in shaping the future of regional and national growth.

We are proud to support initiatives that empower participants, are proactive and forward-thinking and drive collaboration.