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Heart of the South West LEP Newsletter – February 2020

Read the latest round-up from
David Ralph, HotSW LEP CEO

We’ll reach big milestones this year at the LEP. We’re on the verge of launching our Local Industrial Strategy – known as the LIS – and we’re on target for delivering our Growth Deal projects in the timeframe set by Government.  (More about these projects in our Growth Deal update below.)  […]

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Growth Deal Project Progress

The Growth Deal programme of infrastructure, business support and skills projects is progressing well, with four more schemes starting on site since December. […]

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Treasury Urged to Back the Great South West

Earlier this month, the then Chancellor of the Exchequer, was urged to back the Great South West in the Budget and help kick start ambitious plans to create the UK’s first carbon net zero region and specifically how this relates to the opportunity in our rural (Green) and marine (blue) economic opportunities. We will continue to seek support for the Great South West from the Cabinet. The full press release and letters are available here.

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Heart of the South West
Digital Skills Partnership Update

As the HotSW Digital Skills Partnership (DSP) progresses its second year, it’s timely to reflect on the achievements in 2019. The partnership, which consists of training providers, Somerset CCG, The Met Office, UKHO, Leonardo Helicopters, BT, Microsoft, STEM Learning, FE Colleges, Universities, Local and District Authorities has proven to be a highly effective LEP group […]

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Digital Momentum Tech Tasters

The HotSW Digital Skills Partnership is delivering a series of hands-on, one-day workshops: Tech Tasters hosted at South Devon College between 30 March – 3 April.

The taster days will introduce participants to exciting technical concepts and fun, practical skills; sparking interest and confidence to pursue further learning. Participants can learn about robotics, games design, coding, 3D design & printing, data science & machine learning.

Tech Tasters are being delivered as part of the Digital Momentum programme; a  LEP pilot encouraging currently under-represented groups in the digital sector to gain the skills and knowledge they need to embark on or progress within digital careers or further learning.

There’s limited availability – more information about the workshops, booking process and eligibility criteria is available here: www.bit.ly/TechTasters

BOOK HERE

Maritime UK South West Launched

The South Coast Marine Cluster has rebranded as part of a collaboration with Cornwall Marine Network to form Maritime UK South West, becoming part of the national body: Maritime UK. The creation of Maritime UK South West is part of Maritime UK’s programme to create regional cluster organisations in leading maritime regions across the country.

The Heart of the South West LEP, along with the other Great South West LEPs of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and Dorset are key partnership in this initiative to maximise on the growth potential of the marine and maritime sector.

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Devon and Plymouth Chamber Sign MOU with HotSW LEP

Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce and the Heart of the South West LEP have signed their first Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). It marks the start of what is due to be an effective partnership between the two business-led, business-focussed organisations. […]

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Cornerstone Employers in the
Heart of the South West

The HotSW Careers Hub are working with 11 companies across Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay, to help us ensure that all young people in the region have the opportunity to prepare for and feel inspired by the world of work. […]

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HotSW Communities Success in National Funding Bid

Taunton and Culm are on the list of 21 garden towns and villages in England to receive funding to improve vibrant communities from a Government announcement in January. Taunton will receive a capacity award of £340,000 to deliver 13,000 homes and Culm will receive a capacity award of £150,000 for 5,000 homes.

As part of this announcement from Government, Mendip and South Somerset Council will get a share of funding to support new neighbourhood plans, allowing communities to get involved and have their say on the types of homes that are built and where.

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2020 Employer Skills Survey Open

The Heart of the South West 2020 Employer Skills Survey has been launched to gather information on the skills gaps and training needs facing SMEs now and as we work to cohesively tackle challenges to skills provision and delivery over the next few years. […]

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Call Open for Digital Coverage Providers

The LEP aims to extend digital coverage to homes and businesses in the hardest-to-reach areas.

The aim of the funding is to improve accessibility, productivity, innovation and business competitiveness.. Delivery will be through one or more projects with successful bidders entering into a funding agreement, which will provide funding according to outputs achieved during the project delivery.

This call is now open and will close on 6 March 2020. Relevant documents: Call Specification Guidance for Project Bidders Business Case Template Funding Agreement Template

About HotSW
The Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership is a strong and dynamic partnership between the private sector, local authorities, universities and further education across Devon, Plymouth, Somerset, and Torbay with the purpose of leading and influence economic growth, job creation and prosperity across the Heart of the South West.

Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay.
Increasing productivity and prosperity for all.
#LivingBetter

             

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      David Ralph

      Chief Executive

      David Ralph started as Chief Executive of Heart of South West LEP at the beginning of June 2018. Previously, he had spent 5 years as CEO of the Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire (D2N2) LEP from 2013 where he oversaw the development of the D2N2 Strategic Economic Plan and sector strategies, 3 Growth Deals with HM Government to deliver a £1billion capital investment programme, securing and implementing £200m ESIF programme, the Derby and Nottingham Enterprise Zone, the D2N2 Skills Deal and Time for Innovation programme, community fund and led the executive team to develop the HS2 East Midlands hub. He was also closely involved in the proposed North Midlands Devolution Deal and one of the key architects in establishing the Midlands Engine, chairing the officer steering group. Whilst in this role David was a NED of the Nottingham Enterprise Zone, and Marketing NG, the Outer Estates Foundation and a Governor of Nottingham College and on the advisory Board of Nottingham Business School.

      Before the East Midlands, David was CEO of the Have Gateway Partnership working closely with local stakeholders including the ports of Felixstowe, Harwich and Ipswich and BT Adadastral Park across Suffolk and Essex and prior to that was Chief Exec of the Barton Hill New Deal for Communities programme in Bristol and the Nelm Development Trust in Norwich.

      David is a keen sailor, walker and trail runner.