A campaign to secure more Government recognition and investment in the South West economy was yesterday given the go-ahead by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Mr Johnson told a high level delegation from the region how important the South West was to him personally.
"I've spent a lot of my time there over the years," he said.
"We want to address some of the infrastructure issues in the region, as well as other vital services. Because it is the mission of my Conservative Government to unite and level up the country, and the South West has potential in all sorts of areas - from the spaceport in Newquay to farming, fishing, tourism and technology.
"I want to see improvements to infrastructure and technology, better rail and roads, more schools funding and investment in health services. We鈥檙e One Nation Conservatives and we believe in a dynamic economy. The South West campaign is a great one and your region is an absolute priority to me. So I can assure you that we want to support and champion everything you do."
Mr Johnson had invited the delegates to the heart of Government at Number 10 Downing Street following an open letter sent by the Western Morning News which was signed by business leaders across the region calling for his Government to Back the South West.
The Prime Minister鈥檚 chief business adviser Andrew Griffith hosted the delegation led by Bill Martin, editor-in-chief of the Western Morning News and Sarah Heald, director of corporate affairs and investor relations of Pennon, who are co-founders of the Back the South West campaign.
They were joined by Steve Hindley, chairman of the Great South West and the Heart of the South West LEP, Mark Duddridge, chairman of Cornwall and Isles of Scilly LEP, Jim Stewart, chairman of the Dorset LEP and Susan Davey, the South West chair of the CBI.
Mr Johnson - who is campaigning for re-election as PM - also attended the meeting to give it his backing.
The delegation discussed the regions most important economic priorities, its desperate need of infrastructure investment and its opportunities for growth and innovation.
They argued that with a 拢61billion economy which is double that of Greater Manchester and the West Midlands, the Great South West should have the level of investment and interest as the Northern Powerhouse.
Sarah Heald, director of corporate affairs and investor relations for Pennon Group, said: 鈥淚t was a hugely encouraging meeting with the Prime Minister and his chief business advisers.
鈥淏usiness leaders and LEPs from across the Great South West made the case loud and clear for the Government to back the region.
鈥淲e reiterated our priorities 鈥 to improve roads, rail and fast broadband, combined with securing the opportunities for people and developing their skills to realise the South West鈥檚 full potential.
鈥淥ur aim is nothing short of being the 海角视频 leader in clean, environmentally sustainable growth.
鈥淲e need the Government鈥檚 help to improve infrastructure and connectivity 鈥 businesses and entrepreneurs in the South West will do the rest.
鈥淏oris Johnson鈥檚 personal commitment to the campaign comes at a critical point for the Great South West as we ask for formal brand recognition and funding to progress.鈥
Pennon helped launch the #BackTheSouthWest campaign three years ago with the Western Morning News, CBI, LEPs, MPs, and other business, local and academic leaders in the wake of the EU referendum.
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The campaign quickly gathered momentum, securing 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.
Bill Martin said: 鈥淭his was a great opportunity to take the Great South West鈥檚 message to the very heart of Government. The meeting was very positive, mainly because of the region鈥檚 ability to put forward a united voice and a compelling case for investment and support. The three LEPs presented a case for a region that is primed and ready to deliver.
鈥淚 am sure whoever is in Government following the election will find the case of the Great South West hard to ignore.鈥
The delegation was urged by the Prime Minster鈥檚 business advisers to 鈥榓im high鈥 and to keep the flow of information between Government and the region continuous.
Mark Duddridge, chairman of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly LEP said: 鈥淚t was really good to hear that the Prime Minister clearly understands the opportunities and the problems of the Great South West and that his economic team are behind the development of the Great South West as a concept to attract much needed investment into our region.鈥
