An independent evaluation of LEP Growth Hubs between 2015 and 2020, commissioned by the government, concludes that LEP Growth Hubs increase turnover, business R&D, access
The UK economy has faced an uphill battle, grappling with sluggish growth rates and persistently low productivity. A strong plan for growth is vital –
A new watersports facility for Ilfracombe is officially open, offering a new home for local clubs and a destination for the community. Ilfracombe Watersports Hub
The Supergen ORE Impact Hub, led by the University of Plymouth, has been awarded £7.5m by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, part of UK
The Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is working with Tomorrow’s Tourism on a groundbreaking piece of work to develop a business
The Heart of the South West produces a regular Business Bulletin, which provides a comprehensive summary of business sentiment across the Heart of the South
The Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is carrying out a study to understand the potential for a future Social Impact Fund
Introduction David Ralph, HotSW LEP CEO The news on the economy continues to be mixed and the latest interest rate rise will cause a lot
The South West Investment Fund (SWIF) will provide much-needed funding to small and medium sized businesses across the whole South West region, covering Bristol, Cornwall
Written by David Ralph, CEO of the Heart of the South West LEP The latest news on interest rates will inevitably slow what had been
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.