JEFF ALEXANDER JOINS EEF IN THE SOUTH EAST

Manufacturers in the South East have a new champion working on their behalf.

Manufacturers in the South East have a new champion working on their behalf. Jeff Alexander, previously Executive Director at the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA), has joined EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, as Head of External Affairs. In his new role, Mr Alexander, who lives in West Sussex, will be promoting the key role of manufacturing in the development of economic policy at a local and regional level. “The South East is one of the UK’s most important manufacturing regions,” says Mr Alexander. “It is home to many knowledge-based companies that lead the world in their sectors – and it is vital for the future of our national and regional economic well-being that these high-value industries are supported and encouraged. I look forward to working alongside EEF members in promoting the benefits of a more balanced economy in which the achievements and interests of industry are fully recognised.” David Seall, EEF Region Director, said that Mr Alexander’s experience would be extremely valuable in extending the partnerships the organisation has already formed with regional and local decision-makers. “Given the financial turmoil of the last 18 months or so, there is definitely a renewed enthusiasm in central and regional government for manufacturing,” he said. “We already enjoy positive relationships at all levels of government and I know that Jeff’s insight will serve to augment this position as we push for an economic climate that better serves the needs of industry.” Ends Media enquiries to: Philip Colley, Harvest. Tel: 023 9244 9655/ 07785 306278 Notes on Jeff Alexander: Jeff was previously Executive Director at the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) heading up the Competitiveness and Growth Directorate. In that role, he was responsible for developing and delivering SEEDA’s programmes for supporting businesses and attracting new business investment. These programmes included the Manufacturing Advisory Service, Business Link, the Enterprise Hubs (followed by the new Innovation and Growth Teams), attracting inward investment, Sector Consortia, and grants to support investment in innovation and business expansion. Jeff was a Board Director of Finance South East, Tourism South East and Locate in Kent and founder chair of Invest Thames Gateway (on behalf of the three Greater South East RDAs). Having headed up the team that established SEEDA in 1999, Jeff’s first role for the Agency was as Executive Director with responsibility for Strategy and Corporate Services. In that role he led the preparation of the first two Regional Economic Strategies for the South East. During his time at SEEDA Jeff also played a very active role for the RDAs nationally particularly on business support and innovation. He previously held a range of policy and operational posts in government departments covering economic development, urban regeneration and land-use planning. Originally from South Wales, Jeff has lived in Horsham in West Sussex since 1984.

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