A decade of transformation
19th March 2024
Plans to build Britain’s biggest electric vehicle battery manufacturing facility in Somerset have been announced. Agratas – Tata Group’s global battery business – have confirmed
Plans to build Britain’s biggest electric vehicle battery manufacturing facility in Somerset have been announced. Agratas – Tata Group’s global battery business – have confirmed
Introduction David Ralph, HotSW LEP CEO This month saw the confirmation of the biggest gigafactory in the UK, and one of the largest in Europe, being built
Plans to build Britain’s biggest electric vehicle battery manufacturing facility in Somerset have been announced. Agratas – Tata Group’s global battery business – have confirmed
New report outlines urgent need for funding to tackle pressing social issues in Devon and Somerset The Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership
In the heart of our vibrant region, the impact of collective ambition and strategic investment is not just seen; it’s felt. I’m pleased to share
The Heart of the South West LEP has announced £118,000 funding for the Centre for Future Clean Mobility, to develop a new AI engineering lab.
Innovative project to provide a new way of measuring the impact of the visitor sector on the region Acorn T-Stats has been awarded the contract
Introduction David Ralph, HotSW LEP CEO As we enter the new year, we’re focused on maintaining the delivery of key projects, and mapping out our
Importance to UK security and resilience in energy, defence and food in spotlight A major conference focusing on the UK’s future prosperity is to be
New report reveals significant economic impact of Heart of the South West LEP funding The Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP)’s new
The Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership was one of 38 LEPs in England. The LEP was a leader and influencer for economic growth, job creation and prosperity across the Heart of the South West area covering Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay.
Can’t find what your looking for? Contact us: LEPAdmin@somerset.gov.uk
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.