Introduction David Ralph, HotSW LEP CEO
As people will know, LEPs are evolving. With the recent hiatus in Government we are in a little bit of an interim ourselves as we wait for new Ministers to confirm priorities. However, we do know that Government has reemphasised the importance of partnership and the business voice in devolution, and that LEPs are very much here to stay, with the following responsibilities:
- Bringing together the business voice – collaborating and engaging with, listening to and feeding business views into national and regional policy and investment decision making
- Develop and coordinate research and economic evidence around the economy to inform regional strategy and decision making
- Improve skills – working to ensuring residents of all ages have the opportunity to develop skills that match the opportunities in the labour market
- Grow businesses – supporting businesses to start, grow, thrive and transform to create more, higher paid and better jobs, and deliver net zero
- Work with local partners to progress the region’s Enterprise Zones and other funding streams to invest in strategic projects to deliver clean and inclusive growth
We will be working through the detail of this with our partners over the coming months.
In this month’s newsletter, it’s fantastic to see the Great South West partnership secure funding for the region’s green economy ambitions. The Government has also shown support for backing the South West as a leader in Smart and Sustainable Aviation. We’re looking forward to continuing to deliver on our responsibilities, and working with our partners to realise achievements like these.
David Ralph, Chief Executive
David Ralph
Chief Executive
Freeport business case approved
Another significant milestone has been reached for the Plymouth & South Devon Freeport, which has received approval from Government for its Outline Business Case, along with two of its proposed tax sites. The freeport will provide allowances to boost the economy.
The freeport will unlock of millions of pounds worth of funding for the region and encourage a resurgence of economic activity, creating thousands more jobs and bringing investment into the local community. Find out more about the freeport business case in the full article by clicking the button below.
Great South West receives £1.5m to back region’s green economy ambitions
The Great South West partnership has secured £1.5m from Government to level up the region through sustainable economic growth. In a letter from the Minister for Levelling Up, the Government committed £1.5m in core funding over the next three years.
This comes following the Great South West’s recent prospectus, ‘The UK’s Natural Powerhouse’, which sets out plans to deliver on five priorities: improve rural productivity, increase trade and investment, drive forward the marine and maritime economy, support the tourism industry, and create a green energy powerhouse. Read the full article below.
£200k for Torbay community projects
Torbay Council has made available £200k for residents and businesses to start, maintain or enhance projects which improve the lives of those in the Bay. The Community Fund can be accessed in two ways– the Microgrant or Community Action Fund.
The Microgrant is for individuals, neighbourhoods and community groups who are looking for £25 – £500 to start or support projects in their local area. The Community Action Grant is for individuals, not-for-profit organisations and small businesses who can apply for up to £15k. Click the button below to read the article and find out more.
Virtual data analytics training
Due to the popularity of previous events, the University of Exeter and Somerset Council are hosting two further FREE virtual training events for businesses based in the Somerset Council district on Friday 21st October, at 10am and 1pm.
The training is not just for tech businesses, but is tailored to suit any business. No matter what size or sector, the sessions will provide a range of useful learning techniques that can be applied across a variety of job roles and business applications. Maximise your understanding of data analytics for business success by signing up today: contact leah.watts@astleymedia.co.uk.
Somerset Innovation Exchange 2022: Tickets on sale
The Somerset Innovation Exchange is bringing together Somerset businesses of all stages of growth, entrepreneurs, designers, rising stars and inspirational founders eager to become part of Somerset’s innovation community, on 27th September.
Tickets are just £25 and include a light lunch and parking. Click on the button below to get your ticket.
Free Skills Bootcamps to boost digital and tech skills
Skills Launchpad’sTrain4Tomorrow Skills Bootcamps offer free, high-quality, digital and technical training for adults in the South West. The Skills Bootcamps are flexible courses up to 16 weeks; giving people the opportunity to build specific-sector skills.
Employers can benefit from the bootcamps by upskilling their employees for FREE. There are a variety of different bootcamps to choose from, available across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset, including cyber, programming, digital marketing, IT, welding, green construction, sustainable development and more. Find a course and sign up today.
Agricultural support for farm businesses
With so much change going on in the agricultural industry, it can be hard to stay informed. Thrive can help you work out what’s right for your farm business. Experienced agricultural advisors are on-hand to assess your business and develop a plan to get you where you need to go.
Through the Heart of the South West Growth Hub’s Thrive programme, farm businesses can access free one-to-one support and workshops on a range of topics, including woodland creation, SFI soils standards, digital skills and technology, financial forecasting, family succession planning and diversification. Find out more and apply online below.
Government backs South West as world leader in Smart and Sustainable Aviation
he HotSW LEP, West of England Combined Authority, and Department for International Trade have launched a Smart and Sustainable Aviation High Potential Opportunity for the South West, identifying the area as a destination for aviation business and research.
The South West is home to a globally prominent aerospace cluster, including Leonardo Helicopters, Airbus, GKN, Vertical Aerospace, Rolls Royce, Renishaw, the Defence, Science & Technology Laboratory, and Spaceport Cornwall. Click the button below to read the full article.
The importance of Government backing the Great South West
In this month’s blog David Ralph, our CEO, explores the key priorities and funding opportunities made available through government support of the Great South West, a partnership between the HotSW LEP and Cornwall and Dorset LEPs. Read the article to find out more.
