Investment from overseas generated by the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) and the UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) created or safeguarded almost 7,000 jobs in the South East over the last year, it was announced today.

The inward investment figures were announced at the UK Trade & Investment Business Summit, which was attended by the Prime Minister and over 100 of the UK’s leading investors.

Rob Douglas, SEEDA chairman, said: “Businesses in the South East compete globally and deliver a net £18 billion to the Exchequer.

“Economic recovery is crucial and attracting high value companies to the South East will provide the backbone for growth and help maintain our position as one of the world’s most competitive areas.

“Overseas investment that supports job retention and growth will continue to support the UK and contribute to national economic recovery.”

Chief executive of UK Trade & Investment Sir Andrew Cahn added: “Today’s results are a real vote of confidence in the South East, but we must work harder to continue to attract inward investment in what is a very competitive global marketplace.

“Overall, inward investment fell by 10% across Europe, but the UK remains the number one destination in Europe for FDI.

“UK Trade & Investment is committed to attracting high quality investment into the South East region, which is so important for the UK’s economic recovery.”

Talend, a French-owned market leader in open source data integration software, recently opened an office in Maidenhead initially creating 16 jobs. Talend received support from SEEDA through its Thames Valley UK LaunchPad programme and its British base will serve as an international hub for its business in the UK, the Nordics and the Middle East.

For more information on how SEEDA has attracted inward investment to the South East visit www.seeda.co.uk