To Cannes for cash

8:00am Wednesday 6th February 2008

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REGENERATION chiefs from across south Essex are heading back to Cannes in a bid to bring billions of pounds to the region.

Representatives from Basildon and Southend councils and Thames Gateway South Essex are going to the annual conference, which attracts the world's top development and investment companies.

Basildon is sending council leader Malcolm Buckley, Steve Horgan, councillor in charge of regeneration, chief executive Bala Mahendran and Basildon Renaissance spokesman Adam Keating.

Renaissance Southend is sending chairman Theo Steel, chief executive Mike Lambert and director of development David Pilkington.

Thames Gateway will send chief executive Mary Spence, events manager Sam Foster and chairman Gary Sullivan, while Stephen Castle goes on behalf of the county council.

Mrs Spence said: "We will focus on gaining international investment for the Basildon sporting village, new Southend swimming pool and Shell Haven."

Mr Lambert said: "Last year, as sole representative, I secured a number of private sector contacts we continue to follow up.

"This year it will be an opportunity to promote plans for Southend and attract further private sector interest in investing."

Basildon's Tory administration was criticised for going last year by opponents branding it a "jolly", but Mr Buckley said: "Quite simply we cannot afford not to be there. Every area in the country is regenerating and fighting for investment.

"We have to ensure Basildon secures the financial investment and additional employment opportunities."

Mr Mahendran added: "Basildon is undergoing a major regeneration programme worth up to £4billion.

"This would not have been possible without our approach of dealing with the investment and development sector at industry events."

However, Nigel Smith, Basildon Labour group leader, said: "The bottom line is the council must show it is getting value for money by attending.

"After all, councillor Buckley is complaining the council is hard up and might have to cut services."

Last year at the conference the council was given £2million by English Partnerships.

This year's conference will be held from March 11 to 14.

What can be expected

At the 2007 conference there were:

• 26,210 participants
• 83 countries represented
• 2,523 exhibiting companies
• 6,687 end-users, hotel groups and investors
• 5,800 investors representing banks, insurance companies, pension funds, REIT's and asset management companies.