Strategic partners at iAero: L-R: Cllr David Woan Associate Lead Member for Economic Development & Inward Investment, SCC; Paula Hewitt, Director for Economic and Community
The Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has announced that Smart Sound Plymouth is to benefit from a £1.2 million investment, to
Written by David Ralph, CEO of the Heart of the South West LEP. As we welcome another new Government, it is vital that we communicate
Local businesses are invited to attend a free virtual jobs fair on Tuesday 22nd November 2022, 10am – 2pm to connect with local adults who
The potential for autonomous technology to advance understanding of our constantly evolving ocean and coastlines has taken a major step forward with the launch of
Adults in Devon have the chance to gain skills in the region’s fastest-growing sectors through the latest wave of Train4Tomorrow Skills Bootcamps. Train4Tomorrow Skills Bootcamps,
The Heart of the South West LEP has announced £500,000 of funding for development of a Tourism Data Hub working with the Great South West
Following on from the successful launch of Smart Sound Connect earlier this year, October 13th 2022 marked the opening of a state-of-the-art control centre for
This month… £60m Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition and Regional Coordination Events Maritime UK Week Marine sector to benefit from more support from Marine Business Technology
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
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.
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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.