Great South West

Food security is in the spotlight – and the Great South West is at the heart of the solution. The Government’s 2024 Food Security Report highlights growing food insecurity in the UK, driven by global instability and climate change. That’s why our Food Security Position Paper is calling for urgent action. With the largest concentration of farms and fisheries in the country, the South West is uniquely positioned to strengthen the UK’s food security, but this requires strategic investment, support for farmers and producers, and stronger local supply chains. Recent Government announcements, such as the £343m investment into the rural economy, are welcome steps. But to truly secure the nation’s future food supply, we need long-term support for the South West’s agricultural sector – from regenerative farming and sustainable seafood to agritech and food production. Our message is clear: Invest in the South West, and you’re investing in the UK’s food security. Read the Great South West Food Security Position Paper: https://lnkd.in/gA6S578f #BackTheGreatSouthWest #FoodSecurity #Farming #RuralEconomy #Agritech #SustainableFarming Melanie Squires MBE, FRAgS Davidstow Cheddar Karl Tucker Riviera Produce South West Aquaculture Network Pipers Farm Cornish Fish Producers Organisation Bennamann Ltd Daniel Zeichner Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE MP

🎤 Today, we have launched our latest report at the National Composites Centre in Bristol, exploring the role of #GenderDiversity in challenging established thinking and accelerating the transition to #NetZero.   With the UK #hydrogen sector forecast to need 90,000 skilled workers by 2030 and the data indicating that women are currently underrepresented, there has never been a better time to delve into the correlation between strong representation from diverse groups and our ability to overcome the most pressing challenges we face as a society.    To celebrate the launch of our latest report, we spoke to Wera Hobhouse, Member of Parliament for Bath, about the opportunity hydrogen represents for local economic growth, the importance of cognitive diversity in decision-making and the unique perspective women bring to problem-solving.   You can read the full report, including key takeaways to ensure we progress at pace, here: https://lnkd.in/dsqaRziY Airbus Aircraft 💚 Bristol Airport 💚 The Bristol Port Company 💚 Costain Group PLC 💚 easyJet 💚 Hynamics 💚 Wales & West Utilities 💚 WSP in the UK 💚 Wessex Water 💚 National Composites Centre Business West 💚 Copper Consultancy 💚 GW4 Alliance 💚 EY 💚Western Gateway 💚 Great South West

The publication of the Government’s English Devolution White Paper provides welcome clarity on its ambitions for devolution and local government reform. We are pleased to see recognition of the role Pan-Regional Partnerships like the Great South West have played in providing strong leadership and focus for their areas. This reflects the vital role the Great South West Partnership has played in giving our region a unified voice to champion investment, business growth, and our critical role in delivering national priorities like clean energy, defence, and food security. We acknowledge the Government’s intention to move towards a model of Mayoral Combined Authorities and welcome the opportunity to support the devolution process and local government reform. However, there is still significant ground to cover before these new structures are in place, and in the meantime, the South West cannot afford to lose the momentum we have built. Without the Great South West Partnership, the region risks losing its voice in Government, at a critical time for national investment decisions. With our proven ability to deliver regional growth, drive inward investment, and champion transformative projects, it is essential that the Great South West Partnership continues to fulfil its role as a bridge between the region and Whitehall. We will continue to advocate for the South West and ensure our collective voice is heard. Watch our latest video reflecting on our work this year: https://lnkd.in/ezCceXs9 #BackTheGreatSouthWest #Devolution #RegionalGrowth Karl Tucker Ahmed Goga Richard Foord MP Rebecca Smith Stuart Brocklehurst Millie Earl Tudor Evans Bill Revans Linda Taylor David Thomas

The future of the South West is in your hands. The Government is consulting on ending core funding for Pan-Regional Partnerships, such as the Great South West Partnership and Western Gateway. At Tech South West, we believe that these partnerships are essential to ensure regional strengths in technology, innovation, and digital transformation remain at the forefront of national policy. The consultation closes on Monday 16 December, so time is running out to have your say. By taking part, you’ll help secure the funding and support needed for these partnerships to continue driving investment, creating high-value jobs, and working with parliamentarians to champion the South West in #Westminster. Respond to the consultation here: https://lnkd.in/eNwYG55T #Collaboration #GovernmentFunding #Consultation Tech Cornwall | Digital Plymouth | Digital Somerset | techSPARK uk | Silicon South | Tech Exeter | Torbay Hi-Tech Cluster | Yeovil Chamber | Cornwall Space Cluster | TECwomen CIC | SETsquared Partnership

How do we build a circular economy for electric vehicle batteries while driving sustainability and regional growth? Devon-based Altilium Clean Technology is leading the charge. Using its innovative, proprietary EcoCathode™ process, it recovers 95% of critical materials like lithium and nickel from end-of-life EV batteries, cutting emissions by up to 74% compared to mining virgin resources. With a facility based in Plymouth Science Park Ltd and plans for the UK’s largest recycling plant in Teesside, Altilium is creating skilled jobs, advancing green technologies, and shaping the South West’s clean energy future. Discover more about their groundbreaking work: https://lnkd.in/eS4uFQin #GreatInnovation #NetZero #CleanEnergy Emily Hatcher MCIPD Reno Sandonato Hamed Rajabi Tobias French Andrew Bacon Jake Entwistle PhD Dr Christian Marston, Co-Founder Altilium Clean Technology Sheila O'Brien

🌟 Your voice matters! 🌟 Now’s the time to help shape the future of the South West. The Government is consulting on Pan Regional Partnerships like the Great South West, an initiative driving projects that matter to Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, and Somerset, from clean energy to advanced manufacturing. This is your chance to: ✅ Secure recognition for the region’s needs ✅ Advocate for support and investment ✅ Strengthen economy and communities It only takes 10 minutes to make a difference - deadline is 16 December. 👉 Have your say today: https://lnkd.in/ea4JJ_af #SouthWestLeadership #GreatSouthWest #IoD #SouthWest

Blue Abyss Global has announced match-funding from The Crown Estate’s Supply Chain Accelerator Fund, to support the development of its pioneering facility in Cornwall, which will feature the world’s largest and deepest R&D pools, measuring 40m by 50m on the surface, and enough water to fill 17 Olympic-sized swimming pools. The facility will serve as a groundbreaking platform to support industries operating in extreme environments, from offshore wind to subsea technologies. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ep6m2rki #OffshoreWind #CleanEnergy

2024: A year of delivering for the Great South West 🚀 This has been a landmark year for the Great South West, as we’ve worked to champion our region’s strengths and opportunities on the national stage. In 2024, we've: 📈 Showcased the region’s major opportunities to investors at UKREiiF 📣 Championed our leading food, energy and defence industries on the national stage 🤝 Partnered with our Chambers of Commerce to bring our business community together 📚 Launched landmark reports putting our leading industries on the map 🏛️ Worked with our parliamentarians to make the case for the region in Westminster ...and so much more. Our latest video captures the highlights of this incredible year. It’s a celebration of collaboration, ambition, and the progress we’ve made together. With one week left of the Government consultation on the future of Pan Regional Partnerships, now is the time to make sure our region's voice continues to be heard. Take part by Monday 16th December, to help secure the support and investment needed to strengthen our economy, create jobs, and enhance the quality of life for everyone in the region. Have your say (it only takes 10 minutes): https://lnkd.in/ea4JJ_af Watch our video reflecting on the year: https://lnkd.in/ezCceXs9 #BackTheGreatSouthWest Cornwall Chamber of Commerce Somerset Chamber of Commerce Devon Chamber of Commerce Dorset Chamber Millie Earl Stuart Brocklehurst Cecilia Bufton Richard Davies Tudor Evans John Harrison Mark Hewson. FCILT Rebecca Mitchell Bill Revans Brendan Staniforth Linda Taylor David Thomas Karl Tucker David Crew Ian Girling ✌️John Brown Stuart Elford

The Great South West region is critical to the future success of the UK economy. We deliver the country’s energy, food, defence and manufacturing security ensuring that we feed, fuel and protect our nation. Thanks to Marc Astley for a fantastic feature in this month’s issue of Exeter Today on the amazing work which the Great South West is doing with the support of our business, political and civic leaders and how we will be championing our incredible region in 2025. https://lnkd.in/d3YARZ7h #backthegreatsouthwest Steve Race Tom Hayes MP Richard Foord MP Rebecca Smith Vikki Slade Fred Thomas MP Perran Moon Jayne Kirkham Sir Ashley Fox MP Anna Gelderd Caroline Voaden Cornwall Chamber of Commerce Business Partners Dorset Chamber Somerset Chamber of Commerce Devon Chamber of Commerce Mark Bolton Phil Sayles Rob Bosworth John Laramy CBE, MSc, BSc (Hons), MCIOB Jackie Grubb Laurence Frewin Andy Berry CBE

The South West’s world-leading universities, innovation hubs, Science Parks, and research and education centres, are driving transformative change across the UK and beyond. We are home to internationally important strengths in environmental science, data, marine, agritech, healthcare, defence, marine science, photonics, aquaculture, nuclear, aerospace, advanced engineering, and digital innovation. Now, we need your voice to ensure that the South West’s unique innovation opportunities remain at the heart of the Government agenda. The Government’s consultation on Pan Regional Partnerships is a pivotal moment. Your participation can help secure the funding and support to continue championing the South West’s unique research and education assets, and their critical role in driving UK innovation. Have your say before 16th December: https://lnkd.in/ea4JJ_af #BackTheGreatSouthWest Professor Alison Honour Emma Hunt Richard Davies Lisa Roberts Claire Taylor Rob Bosworth John Laramy CBE, MSc, BSc (Hons), MCIOB Laurence Frewin Mark Bolton Andy Berry CBE Jackie Grubb Martin Tucker Kurt Hintz Phil Sayles Julia Howe Kate Wills Judith Petts Wayne Loschi Ian McFadzen Richard May Christopher Weavill Prof James Fishwick Dr Sally Basker Andrew Bell MSc Austin Chick