Sutton businesspeople gathered at the House of Lords to discuss ways of boosting the area's economy.
The event, hosted by Sutton Council on Friday, gave local businesses the chance to hear presentations from established businesses including new High Street bank Metro Bank and record label Soundbox.
It was also a chance to hear a progress report from Opportunity Sutton, the council's scheme to encourage investment in the area.
Matt Cooling, director of Soundbox, talks to the meeting
Attendees were told £317m of planned investment in the borough has been announced in the last year with the potential to create more than 1,000 jobs.
Councillor Jayne McCoy, of Sutton Council's housing, economy and business committee, said:
"Sutton has a strong entrepreneurial tradition and as the economy recovers we have a real opportunity to generate dynamic growth.
"The message from local businesses at our networking event was that confidence is building. Sutton’s investment in improving our town and district centres is helping to increase custom.
"Local businesses are also benefiting from council contracts, with 82 per cent of council contracts awarded to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
"With more than £300m of planned investment attracted by Opportunity Sutton, we are in an excellent position to work together to ensure local business and residents will benefit from new jobs, training and contracts."
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