BUSINESS leaders from across the East of England have endorsed a “Blueprint for Growth”, calling for a new partnership between business and government and urging continued investment in the region.

The report, which is hitting the desks of MPs and Ministers in their first full week in office following the formation of the new coalition government, sets out how the region is capable of delivering future prosperity that benefits the UK as a whole, highlighting its role in fast-growing industries such as low carbon and life sciences.

The document, Blueprint for Growth, East of England Business Delivering UK Economic Success, has been produced on behalf of the influential “Space for Ideas” business leaders’ group which brings together companies such as BT, Anglian Water and Adnams.

Although the business leaders recognise that reductions in the budget deficit will require the new Government to prioritise, they warn that investment in the region should not be cut, given its potential for growth.

And they are calling on all businesses, large and small, to sign up to show their support for continued investment in the region at the website www.eastofengland.uk.com/blueprint.

“The growth opportunities in the East of England are the greatest in a generation,” said Steve Sharratt, chairman of the Space for Ideas group.

“There are fundamental issues that the Government, in partnership with business across our region, needs to address and overcome.

“The more sign ups there are, the more our voice will be heard in Whitehall and beyond, and the more progress we will make in transforming our region.”

Will Pope, chairman of the East of England Development Agency, added: “A new Parliament and a new plan for economic recovery is exactly the right moment to bring together talent and experience from business and government

“The East of England is already leading the UK out of recession, creating more jobs, business, growth and investment. This is all based on fostering innovation and talent, two of the region’s key strengths.”