Latest News

Webinars: Register for sector support and guidance

We’ve done a round-up of useful webinars being offered to all businesses to support them during these challenging times. Sign up and learn more to help your business.

HMRC is delivering a programme of webinars  on measures to support employers, employees and the self-employed through this period of disruption caused by COVID-19. Find out more information and register for upcoming webinars here –  HMRC Webinar Programme

Other Webinar Programmes  – a range of non-government organisations are delivering webinars to offer practical advice and guidance. You can search under the relevant organisation or sector to access the guidance offered, which includes online events and webinars where those are available. See  Support from Business Organisations and Trade Associations

CBI Daily Coronavirus Webinars: helping business mitigate the impact of COVID-19

The CBI has recently launched a new webinar series to help businesses navigate the coronavirus crisis. Covering a wide range of themes and topics, the CBI’s Daily Coronavirus Webinars are helping businesses understand the latest developments and getting up-to-date guidance based on evidence from the government, trade associations and the business community.

You can register for the upcoming webinar and view past CBI webinars here:  CBI Coronavirus Hub

The upcoming webinars are:

22 April: CBI Daily Coronavirus Webinar

27 April: Policy Briefing webinar on supporting SME businesses impacted by coronavirus

ICAEW Webinar  and information resources can be accessed here  ICAEW Coronavirus Webinars

Devon & Plymouth Chamber  list upcoming webinars, which are free to attend for members and non-members. See  Devon & Plymouth Chamber Events

Somerset Chamber of Commerce  have free to access webinars covering a wide range of topics and Covid related measures. See  Somerset Chamber Covid-19 webinars

The Federation of Small Businesses  (FSB) have a series of webinars and virtual networking sessions. See the  FSB South West Event Listing here

SWMAS  are offering webinars on a variety of topics relevant to manufacturing businesses. Take a look here  SWMAS Events

Free webinar for self-employment and small businesses  that will help with simple way to sell online. Funded by  Skill Up Somerset  and Somerset West and Taunton Council. Webinar is on Thurs 23 April 2-4pm. Book here –  Sell Online Webinar

BCP Council  in Dorset has designed and built an e-learning Cyber Security and Data Management tool.

The training is completely free, all online, you can watch a short video and sign up here at  www.cyberwell.co.uk.

The UK National Fraud & Cyber Security Centre have reported that  Coronavirus-related fraud reports increased by 400% in March  and has suggested that this is linked to the increase in home working, so we believe this training is needed more than ever.

Archives
OUR BOARD

Comprised of business leaders from across our key sectors, the LEP Board oversees the programme of infrastructure, business support and skills projects being delivered by 2025.

Find out more about our board >

LEP board meetings & documents >

Newsletter Sign-up






    Complete the short form and we will add you to our mailing list.

    We use MailChimp as our marketing automation platform. By clicking below to submit this form, you acknowledge that the information you provide will be transferred to MailChimp in the USA for processing in accordance with their Privacy Policy and Terms.

    Business engagement is really important to us. We handle and process all personal data in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and the Privacy & Electronic Communications Regulations. For further information please refer to our Privacy Policy.

    Send us a message


      David Ralph

      Chief Executive

      David Ralph started as Chief Executive of Heart of South West LEP at the beginning of June 2018. Previously, he had spent 5 years as CEO of the Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire (D2N2) LEP from 2013 where he oversaw the development of the D2N2 Strategic Economic Plan and sector strategies, 3 Growth Deals with HM Government to deliver a £1billion capital investment programme, securing and implementing £200m ESIF programme, the Derby and Nottingham Enterprise Zone, the D2N2 Skills Deal and Time for Innovation programme, community fund and led the executive team to develop the HS2 East Midlands hub. He was also closely involved in the proposed North Midlands Devolution Deal and one of the key architects in establishing the Midlands Engine, chairing the officer steering group. Whilst in this role David was a NED of the Nottingham Enterprise Zone, and Marketing NG, the Outer Estates Foundation and a Governor of Nottingham College and on the advisory Board of Nottingham Business School.

      Before the East Midlands, David was CEO of the Have Gateway Partnership working closely with local stakeholders including the ports of Felixstowe, Harwich and Ipswich and BT Adadastral Park across Suffolk and Essex and prior to that was Chief Exec of the Barton Hill New Deal for Communities programme in Bristol and the Nelm Development Trust in Norwich.

      David is a keen sailor, walker and trail runner.