What does 2023 hold for the Heart of the South West?
5th January 2023
By David Ralph, Chief Executive of the Heart of the South West LEP Happy New Year. As we head into a new year, the road
By David Ralph, Chief Executive of the Heart of the South West LEP Happy New Year. As we head into a new year, the road
Introduction David Ralph, HotSW LEP CEO This month we’ve released the Winter 2022/23 edition of our quarterly Business Bulletin, providing a roundup of the latest economic statistics and
Adults in Somerset and Dorset are eligible to take part in free training worth up to £3,200 to boost employability this spring. Skills Bootcamps, delivered
Don’t say I never get you anything good for Christmas.. Sponsor the Maritime UK Newsletter for 1 year New Innovation Grant call for Devon-based Advanced
The economic ambitions for the Great South West, the ‘powerhouse’ brand promoting the Cornwall, Isles of Scilly, Devon, Somerset and Dorset region, have been outlined
Introduction David Ralph, HotSW LEP CEO This month the Government published their Autumn Statement, setting out positive measures to encourage investment and innovation, and restore some
New employment land, new businesses, thousands of jobs and millions of pounds of investment is coming our way with the approval of the Plymouth and
The Heart of the South West LEP is urging Government to support the establishment of regional mutual banks, to help support SMEs and drive inclusive
Wessex Internet’s full fibre rollout on behalf of Connecting Devon and Somerset (CDS) is taking in some of the most hard-to-reach rural areas of South
The huge potential of the South West’s green energy credentials, and its progress in becoming the UK’s green energy powerhouse, have been showcased at a
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.