Region’s importance highlighted for security, energy and food production
A major conference focusing on the UK’s future prosperity is to be held in the South West.
Organisers say an upcoming conference will highlights the importance of the region in delivering energy, defence and food to the UK as a whole.
Delegates are expected to hear how critical all of these sectors are for the future prosperity and resilience of the UK.
It comes as global conflicts, food and energy production challenges continue to dominate the headlines.
The conference is expected to look at the availability of vital raw materials and fluctuating markets impact economies, supply chains and societies around the world.
‘We have the UK’s greatest array of clean energy production, matched with defence and marine capabilities that are the envy of the world, coupled with industry-leading food production and agricultural research centres,’ says Karl Tucker, Chair of the Great South West Partnership.
‘These are fundamental sectors critical to the future security and prosperity of the UK, and to solving key global challenges.’
‘For that very reason, eyes are increasingly turning to the South West. This unique mix gives us a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play a pivotal role as the UK, and the world, shifts to a net zero economy, and strives for a more equitable and sustainable future.’
He further points out that the region has ‘world-leading expertise’ in the environment, climate science and biodiversity.
South West: Strengths and expertise in key sectors
The Great South West’s economy is worth almost £65 billion per year which is almost double the size of Greater Manchester or the West Midlands. The region hosts 128,000 businesses with £12.75 billion of exports in goods and services.
The Great South West Partnership highlights the area’s strengths and expertise in the marine, environmental science, nuclear, aerospace, advanced engineering, defence and space sectors.
It’s expected the conference will also hear about the importance of the region’s manufacturing industry and the food and drink sector.
‘The ‘Delivering for the UK’ conference is an important opportunity to bring together senior national and regional players to showcase why the Great South West is key to the success of the UK, and to set out future opportunities for economic growth in vital global industries,’ explains Simon Jupp, MP for East Devon.
He is Chair of the Great South West All Party Parliamentary Group in Westminster and a member of the Great South West Board.
‘We are home to the largest infrastructure project in Europe at Hinkley Point, Europe’s first horizontal launch spaceport, the UK’s first gigafactory hub, critical minerals including lithium, and the largest naval base in Western Europe.’
‘These developments and opportunities are underpinned by leading research and development capabilities across our universities and science parks.’
‘Focusing on what we can achieve together is essential to attract investment and encourage more businesses to the region. I look forward to the conference and its role in helping us continue on that journey.’
National and regional business leaders, MPs, Government officials, university leaders and experts will be amongst the speakers and panellists taking part, alongside sponsors and exhibitors.
The Great South West Partnership is hosting the conference at Sandy Park in Exeter. The conference is scheduled to be held on Friday 13 September (1000 – 1630). Tickets are now available.
The news follows the recent announcement that a new ‘Angel investor’ programme is being launched in the south west with the goal of providing a pivotal role for driving economic growth.
The initiative aims to recruit 40 new angel investors for the region with a target of generating £2.8 million of ‘angel investment’ every year.
