Economy & Enterprise
Heart of the South West LEP
Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership
Devon • Plymouth • Somerset • Torbay
Delivering growth and prosperity across Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay
The Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has been formed under the leadership of the private sector supported by the local authorities from Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay to create a powerful economic alliance. Our objectives are to create new jobs, raise productivity levels and increase our average wages.
With a diverse economy, our area has many strengths, including: outstanding expertise in low carbon energy generation (notably nuclear power and renewables), the defence sector, marine and maritime industries. We have an exceptional landscape and coastline, including two National Parks, providing an unrivalled tourism experience and quality of life.
We also have two world class universities and excellent further education colleges helping to provide a skilled workforce and a growing knowledge base. For example, our area has the highest concentration of climate change and environmental researchers and experts in Europe. Small and micro businesses make up a significant part of our business sector and demonstrate the depth of our entrepreneurial spirit.
Our economy does face a number of challenges however, in terms of lower than average wages, productivity levels and distance from market.
Our dispersed economic geography, with few, but important, urban centres increases our reliance on critical infrastructure and key services. Overcoming significant transport and logistic issues, as well as planning constraints is vital for businesses to thrive and attract new investment. Rapidly accelerating the roll out of superfast broadband is crucial to our future economic success. We have a high dependence on the public sector for employment so there is a very real need for our LEP to address the rebalancing of our economy.
Harnessing the expertise from across the private and public sector in our LEP will create a focused and effective strategic body that will tackle these issues. We will work in tandem with our partners, other LEPs and Government to achieve the best for businesses and residents of Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay.
For more information visit www.heartofswlep.co.uk
