A scheme aimed at bringing new jobs to some of the most deprived parts of Norfolk and Suffolk was held high as an example to other local enterprise partnerships at a conference in London today.

Communities secretary Eric Pickles praised the New Anglia local enterprise partnership (Lep) for putting its enterprise zone development orders to good use.

He also said companies like Great Yarmouth jack-up vessel firm Seajacks were helping Britain to 'gain a slice of the global pie'.

Mr Pickles told the meeting of Lep leaders at the Royal Mint that it was refreshing that the Leps were getting the public sector to 'just get on with it'.

He said: 'Take Local Development Orders. They let local authorities grant automatic planning permission for certain developments such as new industrial buildings,' he said.

He added: 'Our Enterprise Zones aren't backwards in coming forwards. They're getting stuck in.'

Following a visit to the Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft enterprise zone which opened for business earlier this month, Mr Pickles said: 'Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft Enterprise Zone has a little nice collection of development orders on the mantelpiece. Six at the last count. And this hub of offshore wind, port logistics and engineering is putting its orders to good use. Turning them into new buildings, extensions, roads, telecommunications and low carbon energy installations.'

Blair Anslie the managing director Seajacks, which will be one of the first companies to build in New Anglia's enterprise zone, met Mr Pickles during his visit.

Mr Pickles said: 'Seajacks build vessels for offshore wind farms in the North Sea. A few folk think that doing things locally loses you a bit of global prestige. Stuff and nonsense. They're helping us gain a slice of the global pie. And I'm not over egging it.'

Business secretary Vince Cable, transport secretary Justine Greening and Business and Enterprise Minister Mark Prisk also took part in the annual conference which brings together Lep leaders.