From Liz Waugh, Exeter 382173, February 27, 2008

The Devon Economic Partnership (DEP) launched the new Devon Economic Strategy (DES) today, Wednesday 27 February.

Tim Jones, Chair of DEP, with other members of the partnership, launched the document which sets out the guiding principles for the Devon economy until 2015.

The Strategy expresses the Partnership's response to the challenges faced by the county's economic development and regeneration and will influence decision-making across the public, private and voluntary sectors.

In line with European, national, regional and local policy frameworks, six priorities are identified which must be addressed to ensure a thriving future for the entire county. These priorities focus on Devon's residents, its economy and the unique environment.

The DEP, which has been responsible for creating the strategy, was set up in 2006. Membership consists of local authorities, economic and business partnerships, private, voluntary and environmental bodies and government agencies such as the Learning and Skills Council and Business Link.

Tim Jones, Chairman of the Devon Economic Partnership and Devon and Cornwall Business Council said: "Working in partnership enables the DEP to speak with one voice on key economic issues which affect everyone living, working and visiting Devon.

"The Strategy is crucial to supporting Devon's future competitiveness. We need to ensure that we have the knowledge and skills to compete with both established and emerging economies.

"This is a challenge for everyone. We need to stay flexible and adapt to a fast changing world, whilst making the most of our identity and assets to stand out from the crowd."

Councillor John Smith, Deputy Leader of Devon County Council said: "Devon has faced some particularly hard issues in the last few years which have had an impact on the county's whole economy.

"Farming, tourism and hospitality, like many key industries, have been working hard to put these difficulties behind them. Promoting the Devon brand, establishing sustainable tourism and our commitment to be the greenest county is critical to growing our economy.

"The strategy will help build on this work and our reputation as an exceptional and world class destination. It will create a framework for sustainable and achievable growth so that everyone can reap the benefits."

The DEP commissioned research into the trends and drivers likely to affect the future of Devon's economic growth. These were identified as energy and climate change, globalisation and technology as well as the need for an increasingly skilled workforce.

Following the research and consultation with stakeholders from across the county, the strategic priorities for Devon were agreed. They encompass:

• Investment into business infrastructure and communications
• Tackling worklessness and economic exclusion
• Addressing economic disadvantage
• Developing a skilled workforce
• Encouraging business enterprise and innovation
• Establishing Devon as England's greenest county.

The strategy is available on www.devoneconomy.co.uk