South East Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS)

SEEDS: The Early Years, 1984-1992

Sarah Bissett-Scott recounts the early years of SEEDS - from its origins in the GLC just before its abolition, to its first few years in Stevenage before the Secretariat became established in Harlow, Essex. During the early 1980s, the New Towns surrounding London were suffering disproportionately from de-industrialisation and high levels of unemployment. Robin Murray, Michael Ward and others, saw this as fertile ground for a new and innovative approach to economic development in the South East - this became the SEEDS project.

SEEDS: The Later Years, 1992-2001

Ines Newman sets out the work carried out by the South East Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) over this period. She explains how SEEDS went from strength to strength, growing in membership and influence and Robin’s important contribution to this process. She sets out the research and policy work carried out by SEEDS up to 2001, most notably its sector based research, its focus on employment and social inclusion, and the organisation’s long lasting legacy.