New opportunities highlighted in Barking and Dagenham

Barking and Dagenham is an up and coming place for regeneration and investment, it has been claimed.

Over 160 business people, politicians and potential investors attended the Barking and Dagenham: London's Newest Opportunity event held at London City Hall and gave their feedback on the borough.

Most of the attendees at the event agreed that it was ripe for regeneration and investment, while others claimed that it was the next untapped borough 'with a lot of opportunities' and 'open for business'.

The event was hosted by John Biggs, the London Assembly member for City & East and was aimed at showcasing the borough's recent successes.

It also aimed to highlight current progress and key opportunities available for investment in the area.

Many of the guests who attended the event said  that their perceptions of the borough had improved, and reported feeling a new sense of purpose and pride in the area due to all of the developments taking place there.

Councillor Cameron Geddes, cabinet member for regeneration, said that small businesses have thrived in the area, making it a great place to live.

He added: "Barking and Dagenham has one of the highest business start-up rates in the country and a strong, award winning programme of economic development activity and business support led by the council.

"The event was a huge success and there was a fantastic turnout. Feedback shows that the aim of the event was received by attendees and overall feedback was positive."

Currently, there are continuing efforts to raise the profile of Barking and Dagenham, and a new investment film is being created which aims to show why it is such a great place to invest in.

But it is not just the business opportunities that are attractive to people renting a property in the area. Efforts are also being made to boost the achievement and job opportunities of young people who live there.

Councillor Geddes commented: "Here at Barking and Dagenham we are committed to do all in our power to raise the skills and educational attainment levels of our population, attract and grow new business and most importantly get more people into work and raise household incomes."

Published 1st November, 2013

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