Investment potential in region revealed at conference
The Great South West Partnership has launched an ‘Investment Brochure’ which showcase nine ‘globally significant’ projects.
More than 10,000 delegates attended the recent UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) event. It was held in Leeds and is seen as the UK’s largest investment and development convention.
The brochure was unveiled at a special lunch reception hosted by Karl Tucker, Great South West Chair, at the Great South West Pavilion.
The event was attended by senior business figures, government officials together with national and international investors.
Business leaders say that the ‘Great South West: Investment Brochure 2024’ is part of the Partnership’s ongoing strategic drive to ‘champion the region nationally and internationally, and promote its outstanding investment potential.’
It includes an insight into the region’s economy and growth, businesses and innovations.
Nine strategic national investment opportunities were set out in the document which show the region’s ‘unique strengths in sectors critical to the success of the UK’s economy.’
‘The Great South West Partnership’s 2024 Investment Brochure demonstrates the depth and diversity of transformative opportunities we can offer national and international investors,’ says Karl Tucker, Chair of the Great South West Partnership.
From nuclear to space technology
‘From freeports and next-generation nuclear to space technology and marine, our region boasts an exceptional array of investable propositions spanning sectors critical to the UK’s future economic success.’
‘The launch of this brochure at UKREiiF marks an exciting milestone as we strengthen our collaborative efforts to attract investment, generate employment opportunities, and propel clean and sustainable economic growth across the South West region.’
‘The Partnership’s vision is to establish itself as the leading region in the UK for the green and blue economy, and this brochure serves as a testament to our remarkable progress in realising this goal.’
Delegates heard how Plymouth and South Devon Freeport is classed as a national hub for trade and investment in marine, engineering and net zero technologies. Sector leaders say it’s poised to transform the Great South West’s economic landscape.
Further opportunities rest with the Appledore Clean Maritime Innovation project which is seen as ‘game-changing investment opportunities in new advanced manufacturing and innovation technologies.’
The region is seen as a good location for the Celtic Sea Floating Offshore Wind project with experts saying the area is ‘one of the world’s three leading locations for floating offshore wind – the next untapped frontier in offshore energy generation.’
The Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone is seen as ‘a flagship gateway location at the forefront of environmental science and the net zero transition, anchored by world leading research and innovation at the University of Exeter.’
Spaceport Cornwall and Goonhilly Earth Station
Meanwhile, the Dorset Innovation Park is ‘Home to a pioneering advanced engineering cluster and centre of excellence for the South West and the UK’s defence capability.’
And then, of course, there is ‘Spaceport Cornwall’ which is ‘at the vanguard of the region’s role as a leading player in the UK space industry.’ In close proximity to the spaceport is Goonhilly Earth Station.
The station is seen as a ‘renowned global hub for space communications and satellite operations, with nationally critical assets and technologies which are shaping the future of space exploration.’
The Great South West Partnership also points to the success of the Gravity Smart Campus which is the UK’s ‘first giga-scale commercial smart campus.’ It’s seen as a key player in helping the country move towards ‘net zero.’
The team also point to the work being carried out at Hinkley Point where EDF Energy is building two nuclear reactors. These will be the first in the UK for more than 20 years.
Industry leaders say they’ll provide low-carbon electricity for six million homes and so meet seven per cent of the UK’s energy needs over the period of the next 60 years.
