Introduction David Ralph, HotSW LEP CEO
These are challenging times for businesses and many communities. We are facing uncertain times with cost of living increases, in part caused by the Ukraine crisis, and challenging economic headwinds. Many of our businesses are seasonally based and dependent on strong consumer spend. Yet business confidence isn’t bad and many order books are strong, although margins are low and fulfilment a real challenge.
The Chancellor’s Spring Statement confirmed some freedoms for businesses in the super deduction and R&D to encourage additional investment, which look both interesting and useful. The support to counter the cost of living challenges felt more measured, and I wonder whether more will be needed later in the year. Generally the consensus from business was that whilst what was offered is helpful, the actions within the statement didn’t go far enough.
There have been a host of government announcements and changes. This month’s debate in Parliament on the future of LEPs highlighted the important role we have in driving a strategic vision for the country’s regions.
We have seen other positive announcements this month; more detail on the UK Shared Prosperity Fund has been announced, bringing funding to 14 programmes across the Heart of the South West. Further funding has also been confirmed for future Local Skills Improvement and Strategic Development Funds, which we look forward to implementing alongside our local partners.
Much work is going on about legacy and learning lessons, and certainly the close working between schools, the voluntary sector and council and health provision has been a key strength that is looking to be sustained. We are co-hosting an event with the university on 28th April to launch their new social mobility report, which sets out challenges still faced by some areas in the region, and key recommendations to tackle them.
We have seen some exciting projects this month, including the launch of Plymouth Smart Sound, the world’s first 5G marine testbed, which already has a number of users cases. The Heart of the South West Skills Launchpad has published its updated Local Skills Report, sharing insights into skills and employment across the region, and the University of Exeter’s Food Procurement Report sheds light on how we can help bolster the South West’s local food supply chain; a key part of our drive to clean, sustainable growth.
Take a look below for this month’s update on these and other exciting projects, news and insights from across the Heart of the South West.
David Ralph
Chief Executive 
New dashboard gives insight into the South West's future growth
We track a range of economic indicators and recently published four dashboards setting out key messages and data. The Future Growth dashboard tracks global and local trends driving systemic change: climate, population growth, technology, power shifts & inequality.
These give an indication of what will be important over the next 10 years, future opportunities and risks, and how the local economy will need to adapt. Our Future Growth dashboard sets out key risks facing the Heart of the South West over the next 10 years, new technologies, the jobs of the future, and forecasted economic and financial indicators.
Local Skills Report sets out region's priorities
This month the Heart of the South West Skills Launchpad, part of the LEP, launched an updated Local Skills Report which sets out priorities for the region for 2022 to 2024. The report recognises that the area’s economy is shaped and led by the skills of its residents and businesses.
However, the level of those holding a higher-level qualification or working in a professional occupation within the Heart of South West remains below the national average. Find out what needs to be done to remedy this and other challenges, and make the most of the region’s opportunities.
How the South West can support our local food supply chain
A new report into the region’s food supply chain, commissioned by the LEP, Devon and Somerset Councils, the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly LEP and the National Farmers Union has been released, following a research project conducted by the University of Exeter.
It reveals that the public sector can strengthen local supply chains and help local producers access them by being set targets and annually reporting where food comes from. Read more for a better understanding of the interactions involved in the South West’s food supply chains and how we can improve them.
Mobile coverage boosted for hundreds of residents and businesses
Over 500 homes and businesses in Devon and Somerset have benefited from a scheme to improve mobile phone coverage in rural areas, supported by the LEP. Connecting Devon and Somerset’s (CDS) Mobile Boost scheme aims to upgrade indoor 4G mobile phone coverage in “not-spot” areas.
The programme is targeting small businesses and households in rural communities who currently have inadequate coverage, or have access to only one provider and are struggling with connectivity. Discover more about the scheme and how it has enhanced connectivity in rural areas.
Action plan set out for South West energy
This month the LEP met with Western Power Distribution, EDF Energy, Regen SW, the South West Energy Hub, and local Government partners for an Energy Deep Dive roundtable, to discuss the challenges and opportunities for the South West’s energy sector.
The region has huge potential for low carbon energy generation which will deliver economic benefits locally and to the wider UK. Alongside local partners, we agreed eight priorities for the next 12 months, including enabling growth in grid capacity, securing the long term economic legacy from Hinkley Point, and anchoring the nuclear sector in the Heart of the South West. Learn more about the challenges and opportunities identified at the discussion.
Hinkley Point Supply Chain Service extended
This month we announced an extension for the Hinkley Point Supply Chain Service, covering the next 12 months. The Hinkley Supply Chain Programme is designed to help SMEs from Devon, Somerset, the West of England and Wales access bespoke support to bid for new nuclear supply chain contracts.
The programme is delivered by the Hinkley Supply Chain Team, made up of SWMAS Ltd, Somerset Chamber of Commerce, and Business West, and has two main delivery arms. These include supplier development for SMEs, and inward investment support for foreign companies looking to land in Devon, Somerset and the West of England. Find out more about what extending the service will mean.
Boost your growth with free business support
The Heart of the South West Growth Hub is our main way of engaging with local businesses who are looking to develop and grow. The hub provides independent diagnosis and referrals to business support schemes and sources of further support.
Funded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the Growth Hub advisers are armed with information about local and national business support schemes, services and events. Find out more about what the Growth Hub offers, and how they can help your business grow.
Investment opportunity for foreign-owned businesses
We are inviting foreign-owned companies to apply for the remaining funds in our £900K grant scheme to boost business growth and local job opportunities. This is the third and final call. The scheme offers funding to successful applicants already based in the area or willing to relocate.
This funding is part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020, and invites foreign-owned companies to invest in the area to boost the region’s economy and create high-value jobs in Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay.
World’s first 5G marine-focused testbed launched in Plymouth
Vodafone, Nokia, Plymouth City Council and Plymouth Marine Laboratory have confirmed the first companies to run trials at the Plymouth Smart Sound – the first marine-focused 5G testbed powered by a state-of-the-art 5G Mobile Private Network.
Smart Sound Connect incorporates a private 4G/5G marine network to provide full coverage across the coastal proving grounds, in partnership with Vodafone and Nokia, and offshore high-speed communications through Steatite’s Wave Relay mesh network. Discover more about how these networks will be seamlessly integrated to provide advanced communication capabilities.
How can we 'level up' the South West?
In our latest blog post, David Ralph, our CEO, explores the government’s Levelling Up white paper written in February, and reflects on what the five key pillars and twelve missions mean for the South West. Find out how we can face the challenges of levelling up as part of a wider ecosystem.
