Introduction David Ralph, HotSW LEP CEO
So it is vital that we seize the available growth opportunities, continue to invest in our future industries. and collaborate with Government to shape a resilient business landscape.
In this challenging climate it has been fantastic to see news such as the Great South West Partnership, which recently shared updates on its journey to lead our region as the UK’s Natural Powerhouse, and success stories for industries such as aerospace and aviation, and much more.
I am looking forward to the imminent launch of the British Business Bank South West Investment Fund which will provide £200 million of finance for South West SMEs. Alongside the Fund we are launching the South West Access to Finance platform which will help businesses find the advice and support they need to access both the SW Investment Fund and other sources of finance.
This month we launched our new Meet Our Members campaign, giving you insights into who we are, and what we stand for. Listen to Richard Stevens from Plymouth Citybus talk about his fascinating career, and read David Bird’s blog sharing advice and reflections on his time in banking and finance.
David Ralph
Chief Executive
Funding what matters in the South West
In recent years there has been increasing use of social impact funds as a way of addressing long-standing challenges that areas face. Several other parts of the UK have either established or are establishing these funds which invest specifically to deliver social outcomes.
We are working with AchieveGood to understand the potential for this sort of fund in the Heart of the South West. As part of this we have developed an online survey, which only takes a few minutes to complete.
The UK’s largest aerospace cluster showcased at Paris Airshow
Members of the LEP team attended the International Paris Air Show this month. The event was an opportunity to showcase the world-leading aerospace technologies and organisations that the South West has to offer.
Our region’s aerospace sector has global prominence and is essential to driving up the UK’s industrial productivity and excellence.
Marsh Barton Station opening date confirmed
The new Marsh Barton Railway Station will open to the public on Tuesday 4 July. The £16 million project has been delivered by Devon County Council in collaboration with Network Rail and Great Western Railway and built by the construction firm GRAHAM.
The station features two fully accessible platforms equipped with ticket machines, smart ticket readers, live train departure screens, waiting shelters and help points. We are delighted to have helped fund the project, which will improve connectivity for the local community and businesses
Is your business ready to Thrive?
The Heart of the South West Growth Hub’s Thrive programme can support your business by offering free support on increasing turnover, growing your business, business planning, finance and much more.
Offering 1-2-1 business support, Thrive offers fully-funded expert advice and tailored guidance to help support local businesses with growth, resilience, trade, marketing, recruitment, and more. The Thrive business support programme has now been extended until the end of July 2023.
Thrive Business Resilience event at Exeter Science Park
The Heart of the South West Growth Hub will be hosting a free Business Resilience event at Exeter Science Park on 20th July.
The event will bring together businesses from across the region and provide practical support and guidance in response to the recent rises in the cost of living. Business Resilience is an important topic, so find out how your business can not just weather the current economic storm, but come out stronger.
£12.5 million on-farm resilience competition
Farmers and growers can apply for a new competition for up to £1 million in project costs to drive the development of new technology and innovative farming methods through the Heart of the South West Growth Hub.
If you have an ambitious research and development project which supports productivity and sustainability in the sector, you can apply for a share of £12.5 million from the Farming Futures competition, which is part of the Farming Innovation Programme.
Great South West ‘blue and green’ vision shared at Devon event
The Great South West has set out its ambitious vision at a key event in Devon. More than 80 representatives from business, education, national and local Government gathered at Exeter College’s Future Skills Centre, for the second event in a series of regional launches.
An update was shared on the Partnership’s emerging ambitions and priorities, how people can get involved, the opportunities across our blue and green sectors, and how a partnership at this geography and scale can add real value, particularly at a time of significant challenges facing our business and communities, and opportunities across our blue and green economies.
Lacklustre – the new normal?
In his latest blog, our Chief Executive David Ralph delves into the economic challenges facing the Heart of the South West: “What concerns me is the absence of a clear national plan to invest in our future industries and growth sectors, and it seems this lacklustre performance will continue.”
“As we navigate these ongoing economic challenges facing the Heart of the South West, I want to stress the importance of adaptability and perseverance. Let us seize growth opportunities, invest in our future industries, and collaborate closely with the Government to support our businesses.”
