New Chairman

of Surrey Economic Partnership

Surrey Could Be A World Class Economy Within Only Ten Years...

... "but it will take hard work" says the new Chairman of Surrey Economic Partnership, Rosco Paterson, who was appointed by the Board in September.

Surrey Economic Partnership is a joint initiative between large companies, small and medium sized enterprises, regional and local government, Higher Education and the community/voluntary sector. Its mission is to design and lead strategies that will keep the county at the forefront of wealth creation whilst sustaining the environment and quality of living that is unique to the area.

"Each year the county feeds back billions of pounds that help to support the growth of 'UK plc'.  And yet, in order to continue, Surrey's economy needs to grow and that takes investment - you can't keep taking cash out of the account unless you are putting it in first!  With the right resources from government and the private sector in infrastructure, skills, transport and housing we could be poised to be launched onto the world stage very soon and enjoy even higher levels of prosperity and quality of living" he argues passionately.

"Our biggest enemy, though, is complacency.  On the one hand, we have three world-class universities, over 250 global companies based here, an exceptionally skilled workforce and an unusually high level of entrepreneurial businesses, especially in technology areas. On the other hand, however, we still have skills shortages in several key areas, housing is relatively expensive and our transport system is not well matched to our needs for growth.  In addition, we have a planning system that often fears new development.  It all hangs in the balance.  Many areas in the world have been in a similar position - some that have planned and taken action have 'made it'.  Others have slipped backwards."

Thankfully, Surrey Economic Partnership has a twelve-year history of working successfully with skilled partners in all types and sizes of businesses and organisations.  It also benefits from professional input and guidance from SEEDA (the Regional Development Agency that covers Surrey) and from Surrey County Council and local borough councils too.

"We have all the raw ingredients and talent-pool to become one of the most successful economies in Europe, if not the world.  But, we must plan well and plan long-term.  Above all, we must all work together to ensure that all perspectives and issues are integrated into our strategy for success."

Mark Pearson, Chief Executive of Surrey Economic Partnership commented that 'Rosco is well equipped to lead the mission for Surrey.  He started his first technology business when he was only fifteen and has built several successful enterprises since including those now based in Redhill.  He also consults and advises international companies on multi-billion pound mergers and acquisitions.  Outside of his main work he is Vice-Chairman of the Industrial Trust and sits on the National Council of the Institute of Directors.  I am looking forward to working with him!'