Introduction David Ralph, HotSW LEP CEO
This month we welcomed another new Prime Minister, and with even more changes to policy and Ministers, it is vital that we champion our area’s potential to help deliver the growth this country needs.
The forthcoming statement from the Chancellor, now in November, represents an opportunity for Government to set out the stable leadership and policy needed.
The new energy support programme, commitments to encourage investment, and the increased focus on employability and skills are all welcome, however, we need to deliver investment in our area’s key transformational opportunities to deliver growth for our local, and the wider, economy.
In this month’s blog you can find out about more about how the South West can champion its key strengths, and communicate its challenges. Keep reading below to find out about the new Centre for Clean Mobility, local skills training opportunities, updates on the Smart Sound Connect, and our latest dashboard sharing insights into the cost of living crisis.
David Ralph
Chief Executive
Exeter Centre for Future Clean Mobility opens
A new facility designed to develop greener transport has opened in Exeter. Professor Lisa Roberts, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter and the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Devon officially opened the University’s Centre For Future Clean Mobility on 4th October.
The Centre for Future Clean Mobility partners with businesses to develop low-emission, high-efficiency integrated power systems for applications in the marine, off-highway, rail, defence, and energy sectors. Discover more.
National Centre for Coastal Autonomy launches in Plymouth
The potential for autonomous technology to advance understanding of our oceans and coastlines has taken a major step forward with the launch of the National Centre for Coastal Autonomy, driving towards a net zero oceanographic capability.
The National Centre for Coastal Autonomy has been founded by the partners in Marine Research Plymouth – the Marine Biological Association, Plymouth Marine Laboratory and the University of Plymouth, and was officially launched by HRH The Princess Royal. Learn more.
Read our Autumn Business Bulletin
We produce a regular Business Bulletin, which provides a comprehensive summary of business sentiment across the Heart of the South West, as well as showing the national context, conveying the views of over 25,000 regional businesses.
The Autumn Business Bulletin reveals the national and local picture, sharing insights into growth, consumption, employment, energy prices, and more.
Discover insights into the cost of living crisis
The current cost of living crisis is being influenced by a combination of factors, which are analysed in our latest dashboard using a range of national, international and regional data.
Within the Heart of the South West, many rural areas are affected by the increased cost of fuel for transport and heating homes. Our new Cost of Living dashboard looks at the local and wider factors affecting the crisis, and the impact on households and businesses in the South West.
Regional Tourism Data Hub to support businesses
We are delighted to announce £500k of funding for development of a Tourism Data Hub, working with the Great South West Tourism Partnership to build a sustainable comprehensive data and research programme to support tourism, leisure and hospitality businesses.
The Hub will provide Destination Management Organisations and businesses with valuable data insights into consumer and business behaviours to enable more efficient market targeting and product development. Learn more.
FREE training helps learners move into growth sectors
Adults in the South West have the chance to gain skills in the region’s fastest-growing sectors through the latest wave of Train4Tomorrow Skills Bootcamps, offering a range of fully-funded digital and technical courses.
Over 1,000 learners across Devon have started careers in tech and digital sectors after attending a Skills Bootcamp. Could you be next? Discover more.
Jobs fair to help South West employers tackle talent shortage
Local businesses are invited to attend a free virtual jobs fair on 22nd November to connect with local adults who have recently completed a Train4Tomorrow Skills Bootcamp, delivered by Devon County Council to provide a solution to the region’s recruitment challenges.
The latest cohort of 150+ learners currently completing their Skills Bootcamps will be joining the virtual jobs fair. Employers who register for the can hold a virtual table to showcase their organisation. Register to secure your place.
Don't miss Somerset Business Climate Summit workshops
We are proud to be sponsoring the Somerset Business Climate Summit workshops series, being held across Somerset until December. They will provide ongoing networking and best practice, and offer practical steps to reduce your carbon footprint.
Workshops include:
– Sustainable Future Food Business – 3rd November
– Sustainable Transport for Business – 16th November
– Building greener businesses, one habit at a time – 28th November
– Net zero and sustainability for business – 9th December
Smart Sound Connect recognised by industry innovation award
Smart Sound Connect, the world’s first ocean-focussed 5G testbed, led and run by Plymouth City Council and Plymouth Marine Laboratory, has been recognised by the mobile sector as a cutting-edge innovation platform developing the next generation of marine technologies.
At the 20th Mobile Industry Awards, Smart Sound Connect was named as the 5G Innovation of the Year (Product/Service). Find out more.
Smart Sound Connect Control Centre opens
Opened by Councillor Pat Patel, Plymouth City Council’s Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Culture, Leisure and Sport, the Smart Sound Connect Control Centre, providing live access to the world’s first ocean-focussed 5G network, launched this month.
Hosted by Plymouth City Council at Endeavour House in Oceansgate, the new Control Centre is run by the Council and Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) with support from Vodafone Business, Nokia and Steatite. Learn more.
