Companies in Sussex have a new champion for inward investment.

Rob Nolan has become investor development manager with the South-East England Development Agency (Seeda).

He previously managed the North American/information communication technology project management team at Seeda.

In his new role, he will work with Brighton and Hove and East Sussex firms to help their investment activities, promoting their growth and devel-opment and ensuring their interests are represented to the Government.

Located at the Brighton and Hove City Council and East Sussex County Council offices, Mr Nolan will work closely with the area's economic partnerships.

He said: "My mission is to ensure local businesses are able to grow by assisting them in resolving issues constraining their development.

"Businesses are the driving force for prosperity and employment in the area, and Seeda is well positioned to give practical, meaningful support to businesses, whether they are large international companies which have invested in this area or successful home-grown enterprises."

Since its launch three years ago, Seeda has played a key role in promoting growth throughout the South-East of England, helping to raise the region's annual gross domestic product from £108 billion to an estimated £130 billion.