THE future of economic prosperity in south Suffolk and north Essex was the focus of a meeting held between key local authority leaders, councillors and representatives from business and the Haven Ports.

The meeting, organised and chaired by the Haven Gateway Partnership, examined how current and future market opportunities could be used to ensure the continued growth and development of the Haven Gateway.

In addition to employment and regeneration, a key opportunity identified for inward private sector investment was the application of low carbon technologies, in particular, the construction of off-shore wind facilities at Harwich which could attract a multi-million pound investment to the Suffolk/Essex coast.

Stephen Bracewell, the vice chairman of the Haven Gateway Partnership, who chaired the debate earlier this week, said: “During the discussion we identified that continued collaborative working between the private and public sectors is crucial if we are to secure future renewable energy and port business.

“We will continue to work in partnership to identify and overcome obstacles such as shortages of skilled labour and the timely availability of the right sites and premises to secure the opportunities that exists,” he added.