Wiltshire has joined the Great South West pan-regional economic partnership.
Councillor Ian Thorn, leader of Wiltshire Council, has been appointed to the board alongside new regional and business leaders.
The Great South West provides a unified voice for Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset - and now Wiltshire - in Westminster. It also plays a role in securing investment and driving business growth across the region.
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In March, the government confirmed it would continue funding the partnership despite looking to scrap similar initiatives elsewhere.
Mr Thorn said: “The pan-regional approach offers significant opportunities for Wiltshire, particularly in attracting investment and driving sustainable growth.
“Our involvement also reinforces our commitment to devolution, as we continue to work collaboratively with councils across the Wessex area to secure a devolution deal and establish a Mayoral Strategic Authority.
"The partnership’s priorities closely align with those identified for both Wiltshire and Wessex. We’ve already worked together on key initiatives in defence and Agri-Tech, and I’m pleased to see this relationship continue to grow."
Councillor Julian Brazil, leader of Devon County Council, and Councillor Leigh Frost, leader of Cornwall Council, have also formally taken seats on the partnership board since being elected in May.
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Two new business leaders have also been appointed.
Judy Groves, marketing and external affairs director at Rigby Group, owner of Bournemouth and Exeter airports, and Mike Spicer, managing director of docks and engineering company A&P Falmouth (A&P Group).
Ms Groves said: “By working together to amplify the South West’s strengths, we can unlock new opportunities and show the world the full potential of this remarkable region.”
Mr Spicer said: “I am delighted to be joining the Great South West Partnership Board, and am looking forward to further developing economic growth and investment in the region going forward, particularly across areas of defence and energy security.”
The announcement comes ahead of the Great South West Annual Conference on October 17 at Sandy Park, Exeter.
Karl Tucker, chair of the Great South West Partnership, added: “This is a transformative moment for the Great South West Partnership. By welcoming Wiltshire and appointing dynamic leaders from Devon, Cornwall and the region’s business community, we have reinforced our collective capacity to drive sustainable growth, innovation and investment right across the South West."