National consultation shortly ends for the future of Pan Regional Partnerships
Business leaders across the Great South West are urging businesses, trade bodies, civic and education organisations, investors and individuals to voice their opinion in a vital Government consultation.
They say the consultation is critical to ensuring the region’s voice is heard on the national stage and in Westminster, whilst wider discussions on the future of devolution in the South West progress.
Supporters add it’s crucial for the south west to be heard in Westminster – and rival other regions which have successfully mobilised resources and promoted investment, such as the Northern Powerhouse.
Recognition came in 2022 with the awarding of Pan Regional Partnership (PRP) status by Government and the formation of a high-profile board, led by Karl Tucker, Chair of a major Somerset business, Yeo Valley Farms.
The Great South West Partnership explains that the region is home to an £81 billion economy with more than three million people in its perimeters. It’s also home to more than 133,000 businesses.
The south west is also seen as being one of the top 30 regions in Europe and critical to the UK’s economic security, delivering thousands of jobs and significant investment to the region – and nationally.
Supporters point to the importance of the work being carried at Hinkley Point C and Gravity Smart Campus in Somerset, floating offshore wind and critical minerals in Cornwall alongside world-leading manufacturing in Plymouth, Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole.
National consultation ends in a few days’ time
They add it’s all underpinned by the region’s reputation as the UK’s defence spine, and key technologies in microelectronics, photonics and satellite capabilities.
However, the Government announced in its recent Budget that it will be holding a national consultation, running for four weeks from 18 November to 16 December, on the future of PRPs such as the Great South West Partnership.
The Government is progressing plans to deliver devolution across the country, in deals which will see most areas represented by a Mayor or Combined Authority.
Discussions on potential devolution arrangements in the Great South West are in their early stages and being explored by local councils. Supporters argue that without a PRP, the area will be without a regional voice in Westminster until then.
‘This consultation is our chance to ensure a powerful, visible voice for the South West at Westminster whilst the ongoing discussions regarding further devolution in the region are completed and the ultimate structures are put in place,’ says Karl Tucker, Chair of the Great South West Partnership.
‘I urge every business, local authority, university, FE college and trade and community organisation to take part, and emphasise that there is a real risk that the South West will be left behind during this period if funding for the Great South West PRP is removed now.’
‘It is critical that we show the strength and unity of our region, and make clear that working together is the best way to drive economic growth, attract investment, and enhance infrastructure on behalf of our communities.’
Supporters explain that the Great South West Partnership was developed locally to specifically address the lack of representation with central Government.
‘Built by the region for the region’
‘The Great South West was built by the region for the region, with years of momentum culminating in its formal recognition in 2022,’ says Prof Alison Honour, Vice Chancellor at Bournemouth University and member of the Great South West Partnership Board,
‘This is a unique opportunity to keep that voice alive, and continue to advocate for the South West’s priorities in Westminster and beyond.’
The Great South West covers Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset and the Isles of Scilly. It was established by business, political and education leaders to make the case for the region.
‘The Great South West Partnership has been instrumental in ensuring the region’s voice is heard on the national stage,’ says David Thomas, Leader of Torbay Council and a member of the Great South West Partnership Board.
‘This consultation is a pivotal moment to demonstrate the importance of a unified regional voice in driving investments and infrastructure which are critical to our region, as we continue to work on our devolution options.’
‘I urge all businesses, organisations and communities to take part, and help secure our economic growth and influence.’
The Great South West Partnership explains that its recently published Independent Economic Review demonstrates ‘the vital role the region can play in the Government’s new Industrial Strategy.’
It comes just weeks after bringing together 500 business leaders and politicians at a major conference in Exeter.
South West region provides ‘huge opportunities’
‘The Great South West is unique in that we built it as a region – business leaders, universities, MPs and council leaders,’ says Mark Hewson, Imerys UK Hub Director and Great South West Partnership Board member.
‘Now we need to ensure the new Government understands that the voices of our region must be heard, and that our priorities, infrastructure needs, and investment potential must be fully understood and continued to be championed in Westminster.’
The Partnership also launched its 2024 Clean Energy Prospectus at Westminster this month with Lord Hunt, Minister for Net Zero & Energy Security at the Department for Energy and Net Zero.
The team says the region provides ‘huge opportunities’ around nuclear, offshore wind, geothermal and other low-carbon, renewable energies in the region which can power the rest of the UK.
The Partnership is also progressing a range of inward investment activity, hosting an event at Westminster to champion the region’s defence industries, ahead of a return to UKREiiF, the country’s largest investment summit.
It explains the move will give businesses and local areas the chance to progress opportunities with investors and bring high quality jobs into the region.
‘With our strengths in clean energy, defence and food security, we must continue to push that the Great South West has a vital and unique role in driving the UK economy to deliver on the Government’s missions for growth and net zero, which requires a strong and visible partnership working on the national stage,’ adds Karl Tucker.
