Introduction David Ralph, HotSW LEP CEO
This month saw the launch of our Peer Network programme, an opportunity for SMEs to learn from successful businesses and boost productivity and resilience.
We were also delighted to launch Access to Finance SW with Tech South West, improving businesses’ access to funding opportunities, guidance and finance support.
We are busy preparing for our Annual General Meeting on Friday 13th October, where we will give an update on the LEP’s activities and achievements over the last year, and discuss the recent government announcement regarding the future of the LEP.
In this month’s newsletter, find out about all of this and more, including business support from the Growth Hub, the new Great South West website, the University of Plymouth cyber-resilience project, Petroc’s Environmental Space Living Lab, and updates from Hinkley Point C.
David Ralph
Chief Executive
LEP AGM to be held 13 October
The Heart of the South West LEP’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Friday 13th October, with free tickets now available. The AGM will be live-streamed from 9:30 – 11:30am from the South West Academic Health Science Network in Exeter.
This year’s AGM will include a summary of the LEP’s activities and achievements over the past year; from unlocking opportunities in key sectors, to recent Government announcements and the future of the LEP.
Peer network launched to support South West business community
The launch of the new Peer Network programme gives SMEs the opportunity to learn from successful businesses, to help to boost productivity and resilience. The Peer Networks will be led by an experienced facilitator across Devon and Somerset.
Participants will receive 18 hours of action learning through their network, to enhance the leadership capabilities, knowledge and confidence of business owners and entrepreneurs.
Petroc launches Environmental Space Living Lab
Petroc announced the launch of its new Environmental Space Living Lab (ESLL). The ESLL combines cutting-edge equipment and real-world test environments. We are delighted to have funded £2m for the project, alongside funding from Satellite Applications Catapult.
The lab will enable farmers and others to address agricultural, aquacultural and broader environmental challenges by adopting innovative and space-enabled technologies through collaboration with technology providers and academia.
Free digital guides from the Heart of the South West Growth Hub
The Heart of the South West Growth Hub is helping Devon and Somerset businesses enhance their social media presence, explore AI technology, and leverage digital technologies.
Their free digital guides are a valuable resource for small business owners who are seeking to improve their online digital presence and business marketing. Complete the Growth Hub’s ‘Get in Touch’ form to get your guide!
New funding and finance platform launched
Devon and Somerset are set to receive improved access to funding opportunities, guidance, best practices and finance support thanks to a new project, Access to Finance SW, free community platform for growing businesses in the Heart of the South West region.
From regular business meetups to ‘ask the expert’ sessions, any business can join for free, connect with and learn from other businesses and access a range of funding and finance expertise covering equity, non-dilutive funding, loans and debt, along with financial planning, grant opportunities and more.
Ready to prosper?
The Heart of the South West Growth Hub’s latest support service, Prosper, helps businesses and entrepreneurs based in or looking to start up in East Devon, Exeter, and Mid Devon. Prosper offers wide ranging support to help you achieve goals for growth.
Prosper offers fully funded support for established businesses and for entrepreneurs looking to start, grow and develop their business.
Great South West launches new website
Out with the old and in with the new! The Great South West‘s brand new website helps you discover more about the the Great South West partnership. Meet the Board members, and delve into the latest insights into the region’s green and blue economies.
Discover organisations leading the way in our journey to become the UK’s Clean Energy Powerhouse, and take a look at the Great South West’s brand video showcasing some of the fantastic opportunities of the region.
Celebrating the Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone
Business leaders gathered at Exeter Science Park on 5th September to celebrate the clean growth achieved in the Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone (EEDEZ) since its inception in 2017 and plans for the areas net zero future.
After six years, recognising the achievements of the EEDEZ, including major investment of more than £100m is overdue. Their latest video shares EEDEZ’s vision to deliver “a world-class, low-carbon environment for business success” and recognise local businesses that are at the forefront of transitioning to a net zero future.
Project aims to ensure offshore renewable innovations remain cyber-secure
The future development and deployment of floating offshore wind technology is seen as a critical element of the UK’s net zero ambitions. The Cyber-Resilience of Offshore Wind Networks (CROWN) project will create a purpose-built lab space at the University of Plymouth.
It will include examples of the actual software and hardware found in a wind turbine array and its integration to the grid, and use them to identify potential vulnerabilities.
Behind the scenes of Hinkley Point C
Hinkley Point C’s latest video shows the progress of the new nuclear power station where workers are getting ready for the next major milestone – the lifting of the 245-tonne dome to close the first reactor building.
The tour shows the final preparations being made to the dome, which will make Unit 1 weatherproof. This will unlock the next phase of construction, allowing mechanical and electrical work to ramp up.
