Large construction projects will help the Haven Gateway sub-region emerge from recession significantly faster than other areas of the UK.  This was the positive message from Haven Gateway Partnership Chairman - George Kieffer at a breakfast seminar held on Friday in Ipswich.

The event - to launch a new eConstruction Directory of 300 local construction firms, together with a brochure which details many of the current and forthcoming developments in the region – also played host to SnOasis’ Godfrey Spanner and Paul Davey of Hutchison Ports, who both gave presentations on the current status of SnOasis and the Ports of Harwich and Felixstowe.

The success of the Haven Gateway area is vital to the national, as well as regional, economy and as a result is under pressure to deliver significant levels of sustainable growth.  To date, alongside Greater Cambridge, the Haven Gateway is leading the way regionally in demonstrating how economic strength is forcing housing growth - outstripping the other sub-regions in the East of England.  Pivotal to this success is the location of the sub-region, as a key international gateway for both freight and passengers, the volume of which will only increase further once many of the planned enhancements such as the growth of London Stansted and Harwich and Felixstowe Ports are realised.

Kieffer commented: "Our investments as a Partnership are long-term and I am confident that many of the projects to be created locally, such as the new A12 junction at Colchester will benefit local construction businesses.  The Partnership’s emerging role is to unblock the barriers local construction firms face in benefiting from the continuing growth of the region.  Our online directory and brochure are only two steps in this continuous role.  I would urge all local construction firms to register on the directory at our website.”

Entry to the eConstruction Directory is free, the only two criteria to join the list are: firstly, your business is based in the Haven Gateway area and secondly, the business operates within the construction sector.  Interested firms should contact info@haven-gateway.org