Vince Cable looks to drum up business for Sutton (From Kingston Guardian)

Sutton conference to be addressed by Business Secretary Vince Cable

8:10am Saturday 9th June 2012 in News By James Pepper

Business secretary Vince Cable will address a conference which is aimed at attract new businesses to the borough.

The Opportunity Sutton inward investment conference at the Holiday Inn will take place on June 13.

Development opportunities in the borough will be discussed by business leaders and politicians.

Sutton has brought £200 million of "de-risked" development opportunities to market in recent months and it is looking to investors to take them on board.

There is potential across the board of development types including residential, commercial and mixed-use, leisure and retail, infrastructure and industrial.

The conference, which has the Sutton Guardian as its media partner, will also explore ways for the council to team up with investors to stimulate growth across the borough.

Confirmed speakers include business secretary Vince Cable, Executive Councillor for Planning Economic Development and Housing, Jayne McCoy, newly-elected leader of Sutton Council, Ruth Dombey and chief executive Niall Bolger.

Councillor Jayne McCoy said: "Our vision is for Sutton to be an enterprising, enabling borough that is a magnet for business investment; that welcomes new entrepreneurs and social enterprises; nurtures its business base and removes barriers to enterprise. We want Sutton to have a competitive edge over our neighbours."

Councillor Ruth Dombey, said: "Sutton is an excellent place to live, now we are promoting Sutton as an excellent place to do business, and we are actively seeking new investment and growth. Opportunity Sutton is our agenda for action, driving a programme of activities with our partners in each of our key areas of Prosperity, People and Places."

Neil Meredith of Schroders, which is involved Sutton's Hackbridge development, said: "We are delighted and proud to support Sutton Borough Council in their aspirations for an exciting sustainable mixed use development at Hackbridge which we believe will be a leading example to future generations."

Tickets priced £225 plus VAT, including refreshments, a buffet lunch and drinks reception, are available at www.participant.co.uk/opportunitysutton Attendees who book their ticket by May 31 will receive a £45 discount.