Introduction David Ralph, HotSW LEP CEO
This month saw the sad passing of Queen Elizabeth II, and as we leave the National Mourning Period our best wishes are with the Royal Family. We are also at the start of a new Prime Minister’s term, and a host of new support packages and growth plans are underway. In my September blog I set out some immediate reflections on the Government’s 23rd September Growth Plan.
I said then that the route to sustainable growth was unclear, and as I write some of what was announced on the 23rd is changing.
With changes in policy and changes in Ministers, it is more vital than ever that local places champion their opportunities and investable propositions, with coherent market-tested proposals which cover the full package of measures to drive growth across innovation, skills, business support etc.
So collectively, we have a major task to ensure the new Ministerial team are aware of the needs and opportunities of our area. We will continue to concentrate on delivering transformational projects delivering increased prosperity through clean and inclusive growth, including the Maritime & Environmental Science Accelerator, Clean Technology Living Lab, Plymouth & South Devon Freeport, Natural Capital Marketplace, Gravity Enterprise Zone, and delivering Floating Offshore Wind in the Celtic Sea.
In this month’s newsletter you can read more on our work in these areas, and what we are doing to help businesses cope with the immediate problems from the cost of living crisis.
David Ralph
Chief Executive
New Devon and Cornwall hydrogen hub
Carlton Power, one of the UK’s most experienced energy infrastructure developers, has chosen to build the country’s third hydrogen hub on land in the Langage Energy Park. The hub will be the first of its kind in Devon and Cornwall.
The project will provide local companies with easy access to hydrogen fuel. Hydrogen is expected to play a major role over the next 20-30 years in reducing the UK’s CO₂ emissions. Find out more.
Funding to boost international growth
SMEs across Devon and Somerset are being urged to apply to the Department for International Trade’s Internationalisation Fund, which provides match funding between £1,000 and £9,000 to help SMEs grow in international markets.
The funding is available to SMEs with international growth potential, who have a product or service suitable for export overseas. Find out more.
Free support to boost resilience
As the cost of living crisis continues to impact the prices of energy, fuel and commodities, we’re urging local businesses to make the most of available support to boost their resilience.
The Heart of the South West Growth Hub offers free, impartial, expert business advice, and has a range of programmes and grants available, from business planning to reducing energy bills. Find out more about the support available.
£2m to fund new Environmental Living Lab
We are delighted to announce £2m investment in a new Environmental Living Lab with Satellite Applications Catapult, to demonstrate environmental and economic benefits of satellite-enabled technologies across real-world environments.
The investment will refurb three training facilities at Bicton College, Bridgwater and Taunton College, and Petroc College. Read on to discover more.
Join us at our AGM in October
We will be holding our AGM virtually on Friday 14 October, with free tickets available to join us virtually.
This year’s AGM will be held via online webinar from 12.45pm – 1.15pm.
The event will be live-streamed from Exeter College’s Future Skills Centre, and is an opportunity to hear about recent work between the LEP and its partners. This year the focus will be around Clean Growth. Register here.
