About Haven gateway partnership
The Haven Gateway Partnership: Promoting Economic Growth in North Essex and South Suffolk
The Haven Gateway Partnership is a unique organization that was established in 2001 by a group of partners across North Essex and South Suffolk. The primary objective of the partnership is to promote the area as a distinct economic sub-region based upon its strong links with the Haven Ports of Felixstowe and Harwich.
The Haven Ports are two of the busiest ports in Europe, handling over 40% of UK container traffic. They are also major gateways for trade with Asia, Europe, and beyond. The ports have been instrumental in driving economic growth in the region, creating jobs and attracting investment.
The Haven Gateway Partnership recognizes the importance of these ports to the local economy and seeks to build on their success by promoting the wider region as an attractive location for businesses looking to invest or expand. The partnership works closely with local authorities, businesses, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to create an environment that supports economic growth.
One of the key strengths of the partnership is its ability to bring together different organizations from across North Essex and South Suffolk. By working collaboratively, partners can share knowledge, expertise, resources, and best practices. This approach has helped to create a more cohesive business community that is better equipped to compete on a global scale.
The partnership's activities are focused on four main areas: transport infrastructure; business support; skills development; and marketing & promotion. These areas are interlinked and complementary - improvements in one area can have positive knock-on effects for others.
Transport Infrastructure
Transport infrastructure is critical for businesses operating within or trading with the region. The partnership works closely with local authorities and transport providers to identify opportunities for improvement. For example:
- Improving road links between key employment sites
- Enhancing rail connections between regional centers
- Developing sustainable transport options such as cycling routes
Business Support
Starting or growing a business can be challenging - the partnership provides a range of support services to help businesses succeed. These include:
- Access to funding and finance
- Business planning and strategy development
- Marketing and sales support
- Networking opportunities
Skills Development
A skilled workforce is essential for the success of any business. The partnership works with educational institutions, training providers, and employers to ensure that the region has the skills it needs to compete in a global marketplace. Activities include:
- Developing apprenticeship schemes
- Providing training in key sectors such as logistics, engineering, and digital technology
- Encouraging lifelong learning through adult education programs
Marketing & Promotion
Finally, the partnership promotes the region as an attractive location for businesses looking to invest or expand. This includes:
- Showcasing success stories from local businesses
- Highlighting key strengths such as transport links, available land/property, and quality of life factors
- Attending trade shows and events to raise awareness of the region's potential
In conclusion, The Haven Gateway Partnership is a unique organization that plays a vital role in promoting economic growth in North Essex and South Suffolk. By working collaboratively with partners from across the region, it has been able to create an environment that supports business success. Its focus on transport infrastructure improvements; business support services; skills development initiatives; and marketing & promotion activities make it an invaluable resource for anyone looking to do business in this dynamic part of England.
If you are interested in finding out more about The Haven Gateway Partnership or would like assistance with starting or growing your business within this area please visit their website at www.havengateway.org
haven-gateway.org
