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 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, which is a strong and dynamic 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 these as the need for high-speed broadband and mobile connectivity, an urgent need to complete the road and rail corridors into and across the Great South West, supporting the partnership on autonomous marine systems and increase trade and investment opportunities in marine technologies, as well as creating 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, clear-headed and focussed.
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“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, 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.
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: “By working together across the region and with Government, 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.”
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Glenn Caplin, chief executive of the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “The Great South West prospectus is a blueprint for collaboration and growth so we can deliver our ambitions for the local economy and unlock the productive power of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
“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 and realise new opportunities in Cornwall and Scilly.”