South West of England Regional Development Agency helps boost region's economy
The South West of England Regional Development Agency (RDA) has once again exceeded its expectations, with new figures published by BERR today showing that its performance had helped boost economic development in South West England.For the 2007/08 financial year, figures just released show that the South West RDA has:
* created 5,931 new jobs in the region, and helped 1,870 people to get a job;
* created or attracted 632 new businesses to the region;
* helped 16,163 businesses to improve their performance, and assisted 916 businesses to engage in new collaborations with the UK knowledge database;
* attracted £270 million of investment to regenerate deprived areas, 76% of it from the private sector;
* regenerated 92.8 hectares of brownfield land; and
* helped 18,264 people in their skills development, including 675 through the 'Skills for Life' strategy and 1,104 supported to achieve a level 2 qualification or its equivalent.
Announcing the latest results, Minister of State at the Department of Business and Enterprise, Pat McFadden, said:
'At a time of economic uncertainty it is more important than ever that we have strong RDAs supporting business, fostering economic development and helping to create and safeguard jobs in their region.
'This report shows that SWRDA is doing well and meeting its targets.'
Nick Lewis, Executive Director of Resources, said: 'The South West RDA aims to lead a sustainable economy, investing to unlock the region's business potential. These figures show that we are achieving this, and thereby helping to boost the wealth and well-being of the people of the region.'
This article courtesy of the Government News Network.
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