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Heart of the South West launches new website

A new website has been launched to support the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) in its mission to help boost the economy and job creation throughout the area.

The Heart of the South West (HotSW) has unveiled the new website www.heartofswlep.co.uk – it has a fresh new look and includes the latest updates and information on the aims and vision of the LEP, current projects, news and useful documents.

It also includes information on how businesses can get involved and users can now sign up to the Business Forum online.

Tim Jones, Chairman for Heart of the South West said: “The Heart of the South West is committed to leading, influencing and supporting economic growth and job creation in the area.

“This valuable new tool will help businesses find out about major new initiatives and developments – organisations will also be able to join the Business Forum, which can help grow and shape the economy.

“We urge companies to sign up for the regular newsletter to stay in touch with developments.”

The new website replaces the temporary website that was set up as an interim measure when the LEP was established last year.

The website was developed in consultation with business leaders and groups – it was designed and built by Cosmic Ethical IT, based in Honiton.

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      David Ralph

      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.