Business highlights regional role at national level
Representatives of businesses across the south west say a three day national event allowed them to make a ‘compelling case’ for the region’s role as a ‘national engine of clean growth (and) energy resilience.’
The comments follow the recent UK’s Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF). The three day conference saw The Great South West Partnership highlighting the ‘regional investment opportunities critical to national growth.’
The Partnership team delivered a high-profile programme which showcased a number of ‘investable projects across clean energy, housing, innovation and regeneration.’
‘UKREiiF has been a springboard for long-term partnerships and investment, and it has been fantastic to showcase our high-impact projects, which have the ambition and strategic alignment to drive national growth,’ says Karl Tucker, Chair of the Great South West Partnership.
‘This week has made it clear that the Great South West is central to the UK’s economic future.’
‘From clean energy and defence critical to national security, to housing for the future workforce and world-class technologies, our region is delivering the infrastructure, talent and innovation the country needs to thrive and is the new frontier for investment in the UK.’
Backed by a powerful coalition of public and private sector leaders, the Great South West made a compelling case for its role as a national engine of clean growth, energy resilience and inclusive economic development.
The launch of the 2025 Great South West Investment Prospectus.
Launch of investment prospectus
Organisers say the Partnership’s Pavilion hosted MPs, civic leaders, business leaders and senior decision-makers.
One of the most anticipated moments of the Pavilion was the launch of the 2025 Great South West Investment Prospectus which looked at investment opportunities in energy, defence and the creative sector.
Tom Hayes MP, the UK’s Energy Mission Champion, set the tone when discussing the UK’s clean energy ambitions.
‘The Great South West is playing a vital role in delivering the UK’s clean energy ambitions,’ explained the Labour MP for Bournemouth East.
‘From offshore wind and tidal to hydrogen and advanced nuclear, the region is home to some of the most exciting and scalable projects in the country.’
‘What we saw at UKREiiF was a region with the vision, capability and investment readiness to help the UK become a global clean energy superpower.’
Steve Race MP and Tom Hayes MP
The Pavilion also saw the launch of the Great South West Housing Prospectus. This private reception brought together leaders from across the housing sector, including Cllr Mille Earl (BCP Council), Cllr Tudor Evans (Plymouth City Council), Selina White (Magna Housing), and Joe Wharton (Homes England).
The Great South West Partnership team says the region is worth more than £81 billion and is ‘home to world-leading clusters, critical infrastructure, and a pipeline of market-ready investment opportunities.’
It adds that the region is ‘uniquely placed to deliver economic growth where the UK needs it most.’
