Introduction David Ralph, HotSW LEP CEO
We’re delighted to launch our latest campaign, looking at connectivity in the Heart of the South West.
Physical and digital connectivity is a vital part of our efforts to support economic growth and prosperity. Ensuring that communities and businesses have better access to jobs and training, get involved with their local area, get online and be more effective online is key in delivering inclusive growth for all.
Take a look at our video showcasing some of the projects we’re proud to support, connecting people and businesses across the region. Or, keep reading to find out more about each of the projects, from connecting businesses with fast and reliable broadband, to developing the cutting-edge Plymouth Smart Sound underwater communications network.
David Ralph, Chief Executive
David Ralph
Chief Executive
Widening the A382 at Newton Abbot
The A382 is the major route linking Newton Abbot with the A38 Trunk Road at Drumbridges roundabout. This £13m scheme is the first phase of improving the A382, providing additional capacity.
The widened road will accommodate growth from the Houghton Barton development and features a separate cycleway/ footway to improve safety. Widening the A382 will improve safety and journey times to Newton Abbot, and enable people at the new housing development to cycle and walk the route as well as drive. It also facilitates connection to the wider area, helping to better link Torbay, Paignton and Exeter.
Plymouth Eastern Corridor Cycle Network
The Eastern Corridor Strategic Cycle Network aims to support the transformational shift to walking and cycling in Plymouth, by improving connectivity along the Eastern Corridor and Plymouth city centre.
The £4.9m package will include improved provisions for cyclists and pedestrians within the city centre. The new cycling and walking paths aim to create safe routes in the eastern part of the city and supports the LEP’s clean growth ambition.
Exeter Bus Station
The new Exeter Bus Station, run by Stagecoach South West, will replace the previous bus station built in the 60’s and offers glass-fronted waiting and boarding areas and high-quality facilities.
The new station was funded by Exeter City Council and an £800,000 grant from the LEP’s Getting Building Fund. Supporting projects like this is crucial to the LEP’s ambition to deliver connectivity in the region by promoting transport links between Exeter and rural communities.
2Zero Future Flight
The Heart of the South West LEP is part of a regional aerospace consortium, helping to advance sustainable air travel with hybrid electric aircraft to aid the UK in reaching its 2050 Net Zero target.
The 2Zeo Future Flight initiative aims to advance the use of sustainable aviation, driving down costs and emissions on regional routes, through demonstrating the viability of electric aircraft and gathering data on performance and operational requirements. 2Zero Future Flight has brought the first hybrid electric flights to the South West.
Gravity Smart Campus Link Road
The Gravity Smart Campus is a designated Enterprise Zone which focuses on clean growth. The site offers fantastic potential to transform the Somerset economy, creating opportunities in the industries of the future.
The benefits of the link road, named ‘Enterprise Way’, will be attracting large-scale innovative companies, expected to create up to 7,500 jobs and contribute £500m to the local economy. The road was the first privately-led transport infrastructure project to receive the LEP’s Growth Deal grant funding.
Mobile Boost Scheme
Connecting Devon and Somerset’s Mobile Boost scheme aims to upgrade indoor 4G coverage. The scheme is targeted at small businesses and households in rural communities who have inadequate coverage, or only have access to one provider.
Developing strong, reliable digital infrastructure to support people as they work, run businesses, and communicate is crucial in the LEP’s aim to boost prosperity in the region. The LEP is proud to have invested £22.13 million in broadband and mobile connectivity across Devon, Somerset, Plymouth and Torbay to date.
Digital Devon
Digital Devon, run by the Heart of the South West Skills Launchpad, seeks to promote community resilience and pilot new approaches to connect communities through learning a range of basic digital skills.
The largest part of this project is community learning, delivered by Learn Devon, providing basic skills such as setting up emails or social media accounts. The project aims to break down barriers people face when accessing services, or talking to friends and family online.
Thrive
Thrive is a business support programme, run by the Heart of the South West Growth Hub, connecting businesses in Devon, Somerset, Plymouth and Torbay with advice, training and support services.
The programme is part funded by the ERDF and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities with match funding from the Growth Hub and the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). 298 businesses have benefitted from at least three hours of free, specialist support so far, including support on digital connectivity.
DESME
The Digital Enablement for SMEs (DESME) project, run by the Heart of the South West Skills Launchpad, provides free digital support to SMEs, sole traders and micro businesses across Devon.
The programme mainly focuses on supporting those in the construction sector. Skills Launchpad have also developed the Digital Course finder tool, which is an online database where training providers can list their courses, and users can access it to find the right course for them.
Smart Sound Connect Plymouth
The Smart Sound Connect, which launched February 2022, incorporates a private 4G/5G marine network and offshore highspeed communications to the Plymouth area and 20 miles offshore.
The new 4G/5G networks will be seamlessly integrated to provide an advanced communication capability from the quayside to more than 20 miles offshore, and deliver world-leading advanced communications infrastructure across the entire Smart Sound area.
