There are a number of meta trends that will drive systemic change across the economy and society: the climate and nature crises, population growth, faster technological change; global power shifts and increasing inequality.
With most future trends it is impossible to predict exactly what changes will happen or exactly how they will change the local economy. Nevertheless, it is important to understand these drivers of change and how they might disrupt some industries and create opportunities for others. The trends will often give a good indication of what will be important over the next 10 years and how the local economy will need to change.
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.
This dashboard provides analysis of the Heart of the South West’s Future Growth. Use the links within this interactive document to navigate and view external data sources.
The Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership was one of 38 LEPs in England. The LEP was a leader and influencer for economic growth, job creation and prosperity across the Heart of the South West area covering Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay.
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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.