South West sets out investment bid to ministers
THE first official message to the Government to back the Great South West has been sent in the form of a powerful prospectus outlining why the region needs serious investment.
It sets out that whilst the South West has have major strengths and expertise in marine industries, environmental science, nuclear, aerospace and more, there’s still work to do on issues such as productivity and workforce skill levels, which are lower than they should be.
It adds that our geography has concentrations of urban, rural and coastal deprivation which contribute to a widening opportunity gap.
The six-page document has been put together by the Heart of the South West (HotSW) LEP, a business-led partnership between the private sector, local authorities, universities and colleges.
The overview is the basis for a more comprehensive document which will be finalised in October.
The Great South West economy is worth £62 billion – almost double the size of Greater Manchester or West Midlands, yet proper investment from Westminster is yet to be secured in priority areas.
The Great South West prospectus outlines the need for highspeed broadband and mobile connectivity. It also highlights an urgent requirement to complete the road and rail corridors into and across the Great South West. And it stresses the importance of supporting the partnership on autonomous marine systems and increasing trade and investment
opportunities in marine technologies. Final it calls for the creation of a ‘tourism zone’ to attract more visitors out of the main season, particularly from overseas.
Gary Streeter, Conservative MP for South West Devon, said: “This is the first time in my 27 years at Westminster that the Great South West has been this united, clearheaded and focussed.
“The prospectus sets out an ambitious, modern and realistic agenda for this wonderful region that every parliamentarian of all parties can get behind and help to bring into being. I congratulate the LEPs, the local authorities and business community of the Great South West for their visionary leadership in producing this excellent prospectus. Thanks also to the Western Morning News for being such an active supporter of this movement for change.”
The Great South West aims are supported by the #backthesouthwest campaign, launched by the Western Morning News along with Pennon, the CBI, LEPs, MPs, businesses and local and academic leaders in the wake of the EU referendum. The campaign quickly gathered momentum, with support from businesses of all sizes and sectors from across the South West, and helping define and raise the profile of a region with unique, untapped economic potential.
The shared demands of the business community for a better Government deal with the region were consolidated into the South West Growth Charter, which highlighted improved digital and transport connectivity as key Government ‘asks’.
An excerpt from the prospectus states underlines the importance of cooperation. It reads: “We can achieve our shared ambitions: a successful open economy that works for everybody, prosperous and vibrant counties, cities and towns, productive and innovative businesses and infrastructure fit for the future.”
Glenn Caplin, chief executive of the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership, described the prospectus as a blueprint for delivering ambitions for the local economy in the far west
He went on: “It makes sense to work together on shared agendas like transport, connectivity, climate change and the energy grid to help shape and grow a green, smart and connected economy. This document is an important scene-setter for Government ahead of a more detailed submission in the autumn which will set out how targeted investment can help us tackle economic challenges.”
‘It makes sense to work together on shared agendas like transport and connectivity’ GLENN CAPLIN