GD31 – Connecting Devon and Somerset – Broadband

The Connecting Devon and Somerset (CDS) Superfast Extension Programme is the Phase 2 programme of capital investment in the physical infrastructure which aims to extend the coverage of Next Generation Access Broadband – Superfast Broadband – i.e. 30Mbps and above –  to an extra approximately 4,500 – 5,000 businesses by 2020.

The project will extend deployment of NGA Broadband in under-served areas across Devon and Somerset. It will assist business competitiveness, productivity and innovation as well as safeguarding employment in areas which would otherwise be at an unfair disadvantage, compared to those which benefit from commercially delivered services.

Growth Deal 2 Funding: £6m

Growing Places £4.2m Growing Places Fund (grant)

The £10.2M LEP funding will be used to match £10.2M of BDUK funding for the Heart of the South West.

Total Funding: £20.52

Started: December 2016

Completion: March 2020

Click here to download the HotSW-LEP-Board-July-18th-17 pdf
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    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.