As a small business owner of some thirty years and the Chairman of the Kent and Medway Federation of Small Businesses, I have a comprehensive understanding of the issues and constraints facing the micro and the small business sector. As roots of the economy we have issues that a strong broad partnership with neighbours would go a long way to solving, whilst enhancing the critical impact of the south and east as a major contributor to the UK economy.

Fundamentally, this partnership must address the completion of the Thames Gateway and the river crossing issues to enable a dynamic and fast flowing infrastructure together with growing the local supply chain potential. It must also for example, deliver a far greater level of broadband as a basic utility.

It must deliver innovative thinking and the freedom to make decisions locally and take the responsibility for them.

The proposed partnership with the attendant offers by Secretary of State Eric Pickles would indicate that this Partnership has the potential for such an innovative and vibrant solution in delivering an economy maximising our potential for innovation and growth.