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Heart of the South West LEP showcases innovative opportunities at UKREiiF

On 16th – 18th May the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) participated in the UK’s Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds, to present the region’s key opportunities to potential investors.

The highly anticipated UKREiiF attracted a diverse range of stakeholders from across the country, encouraging regional collaboration and knowledge sharing to accelerate sustainable, inclusive and transformational investment. Throughout the event, the Heart of the South West LEP showcased its commitment to driving growth and innovation, fostering meaningful connections with industry leaders and potential investors.

LEP representatives delivered a panel discussion highlighting the region’s vast potential, showcasing a range of transformational projects that will shape the future of the area, including the Plymouth & South Devon Freeport, Smart Sound Plymouth, Gravity Smart Campus, and the Future Aviation Test Zone.

David Ralph, Chief Executive of the Heart of the South West LEP, said: “We are delighted to have been part of this year’s UKREiiF, bringing together key stakeholders who share a common goal of driving sustainable development and creating opportunities for economic growth. This was a fantastic opportunity to highlight the transformational opportunities available in the Heart of the South West region to national and international investors, and build partnerships with like-minded individuals and organisations.”

The Heart of the South West LEP’s attendance at UKREiiF further demonstrates its commitment to actively shaping the region’s future. By leveraging collaboration, innovation, and a forward-thinking approach, the LEP continues to play a pivotal role in driving economic prosperity and sustainable development in the Heart of the South West.

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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.