SOUTH WEST 2021 Business

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DELIVERING INDUSTRY FOCUS AND EXPERTISE ACROSS THE SOUTH WEST Offering an in-depth understanding of both the challenges and opportunities for the South West’s dynamic business community is something we take very seriously at Barclays

We believe this insight helps us to businesses hit their targets, whatever technology, consumer behaviour give our clients the support they they may be, ensuring their needs are trends and disruptive forces might need to achieve their goals. Our at the heart of what we do. shape the business of the future. l Relationship Directors are industry Funding solutions – we offer a range l specialists who have lived and worked Relationship expertise and of products and services in relation in the area for many years. service excellence – Barclays to trade, working capital and term debt Corporate is dedicated to supporting financing requirements. Bespoke Helping businesses hit their targets companies with a turnover of funding proposals are produced for Whether it’s businesses looking to £6.5m or above. We invest in our each business, taking into account expand into the area or established business across the South West to their individual circumstances, while entities looking to grow, we’re committed ensure we are well placed to provide supporting their current priorities to ensuring all our clients get the outstanding service. and long-term strategies. l support that’s right for them to achieve Sector expertise – the first bank ONLY financial stability and prosperity. to introduce industry specialisms, insider membership With over 325 years of history and we have been sharing our expertise As we moved forwards through £ expertise in banking, we are proud with clients for more than 20 years. the changes wrought by the ESSENTIAL BUSINESS TOOLKIT 120 to serve nearly one million British Our clients also benefit from retirements, taking on new businesses through both steady and our leading sector-specific market owners, opening a new office and uncertain times. A large number are analysis and industry events, converting to an LLP, there was MAGAZINE ONLINE BUSINESS MARKETING based in the South West and the focusing on topics that will add a real sense that Barclays were GDPR dedication and innovation they display value, plus a bespoke approach to working as a partner not just as a STAY INFORMED & WELL ADVISED STAY CONNECTED COMPLIANT EVENTS DATABASES fills us with confidence that the region their funding needs. bank. What is reassuring is that O 12 monthly editions straight to your desk & INFORMED ANYWHERE RAISE YOUR BUSINESS PROFILE l BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT has a thriving future ahead. Focus on innovation – we’re a bank they really understand what we O Access to digital edition of magazine O Access to member only O Members’ discounted rates AND SALES LEADS At Barclays we believe we can be of firsts, like the world’s first ATM, are trying to achieve, that they O Latest regional business news and features content – articles, news, – Save £120+ reports, Top 500/300 lists O 18,000+ veriﬁ ed senior decision the right fit as a financial partner for a and we’re still innovating today. want to help and are as excited by O Who’s who in your region O Preferential table position makers’ contacts O Receive daily regional in the room after sponsors* diverse range of businesses, across We’ve developed an interactive, our success as we are. O Top ranking leagues O MDs, CEOs, directors, senior managers news bulletins straight a range of markets. Operating out of consultative workshop format O Deals being made O Business development opportunities O Email addresses O Phone numbers to your inbox our Bristol, Bath, Swindon, Exeter and which explores our clients’ business Alistair Everett – Managing Partner O Expert advice on business issues O Networking opportunities O Postal addresses O Available by region Truro offices, we strive to help local operations and helps identify how O Skills and development features O Top 500 and Top 300 SME companies EXCLUSIVE MEMBERS DISCOUNTED SAVE 8% OFF COVER PRICE MEMBER CONTENT RATES SAVE £120+ 20% OFF – SAVE UP TO £538 We’re here to support your business. To find out more, visit barclayscorporate.com or contact our regional heads:

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2 Infrastructure Land of opportunity 4 Workforce & education As vice-chancellor of the University of the West of England, 5 Bristol I have had the privilege of witnessing how the South West has 9 Bath thrived as a business region over the last decade, and how our institution has established itself as a key player in the regional 11 Devon community. Perhaps no more so than last year when we 17 Somerset offered our exhibition and conference centre to become a Nightingale Hospital. 19 Cornwall At the end of March 2020, I received a phone call from 22 Dorset the NHS Trust about the possibility of converting the interior Professor of the hall into an intensive care unit. I immediately said yes. 23 Gloucestershire Steve West CBE With this decision came the vast challenge of converting a hall 24 Swindon & Wiltshire vice-chancellor of built in the 1970s into a fully operational ICU within a month. the University of the This is an example of where we demonstrated we care about West of England, the region and are prepared to get stuck in and face challenges editorial director president of Bristol together. We are proud of our leading role in shaping local Miri Thomas Chamber of decisions, improving lives across our communities, boosting the editors Commerce, chair economy and cultural vibrancy of the region. David Clensy, Mike Ribbeck of the West of Our University Enterprise Zone (UEZ) is a means by which sub-editors Keith Morris, Matthew Rogers England Initiative we are invested in regional businesses. Contained within it is the design and president of Health Tech Hub, which works with organisations all over the Jonathan Stansfield the South West CBI country to help them develop new health and medical products Martin Bain by offering up cutting-edge facilities. James Hepworth Then there is Future Space, Launch Space, the Bristol Robotics Emma Langton Lab (BRL), and our Robotics Innovation Facility (RIFBristol). senior researcher Rob Mayfield The university also provides a conduit for government and sales development European funding to businesses in the region. An excellent director example of this is Scale Up 4 Growth (S4G), a collaboration Adrian Simcox between UWE Bristol, NatWest and Gloucestershire College. national events We are proud of this programme as it delivers grants of £10,000 development director to £40,000 to support SMEs across Gloucestershire. Avril Walsh The South West is a land of opportunity, innovation, business development managers enterprise and creativity built on strong collaboration between Jonathan Horwood the higher education institutions, business and public sectors Will Allen demonstrating we are better and stronger together. Claire Godden

Cover images (left to right) ©2021 Insider Media Limited. No part of this publication may be reproduced or used • Social housing company Abri’s project in in any form of advertising or promotion without written permission of the editor Weymouth where a £120m housing scheme is Price: £45 | ISSN 1755-3997 being planned in partnership with Lovell Southern • Porton Science Park, Wiltshire South West Investment Guide 2021 is published by Newsco-Insider Ltd. • Plymouth marina Boulton House, 17-21 Chorlton Street Manchester M1 3HY | Tel: +44 (0) 161 907 9711 • The planned YTL Arena in Filton www.southwestbusinessinsider.com • The Soap Works, Bristol To order a copy contact the subscription/membership department on +44 (0) 161 907 9733 INTRODUCTION INFRASTRUCTURE

Artist’s impression of the Temple Meads project Stonehenge tunnel

South Devon area, with more than Joined up thinking £100m of investment forecast in the next six years. Insider looks at the most transformational The successful bid was made by infrastructure projects taking place in the South West Plymouth City Council in partnership with Devon County and South Hams n Government spending plans are pumping billions of pounds of infrastructure District Council as well as the Heart pledges designed to revitalise Britain’s roads, railways, broadband and housing of the South West Local Enterprise as part of the nation’s levelling-up agenda. In the South West, from major rural Partnership (LEP). The freezone will broadband rollouts to landmark transport schemes, the region’s infrastructure include sites at Devonport South Yard, is going through a transformational period. Langage Energy Zone and Sherford Business Park. Roads The Plymouth and South Devon In one of the biggest schemes in the Work has also recently been freezone aims to create space for region, Highways England is working completed on the construction of a businesses to import goods and to improve the A303 past Stonehenge new junction on the M49 motorway, materials, add value to them (by between Amesbury and Berwick by designed to open up the growth of manufacture), and export them creating a new dual carriageway with a the landmark logistics hubs around and leverage Plymouth’s marine tunnel, removing traffic from much of Avonmouth. innovation strengths. Babcock and this historic setting. Both Bristol Port and the Avon- Princess Yachts backed the scheme. After being examined by a panel mouth Severnside Enterprise Area to of independent inspectors appointed the west of Bristol previously have had Hinkley Point C by the Planning Inspectorate the no direct access to the M49, which The biggest infrastructure project A303 Stonehenge scheme was given has hindered proposals to support in the region – indeed, the biggest consent by the Secretary of State economic growth in the area. The construction site in Europe, when it Grant Schapps in November. new junction on the M49 opens these comes to the building of a new nuclear The vision is that the scheme pre- areas, and with the completion of the power station at Hinkley Point on the sents the best solution for tackling the connecting roads, will ease congestion. Somerset coast, the sheer scale of the longstanding bottleneck on this sec- project has always been mind-boggling. tion of the trunk road, returning the Plymouth Freeport The new reactor got the green light Stonehenge landscape to something The establishment of a Freeport is set from the government in 2016 and like its original setting and helping to to unlock million pounds of funding construction work is due to ramp up boost the South West economy. for Plymouth and across the wider over the next two years. The plant,

2 INTRODUCTION INFRASTRUCTURE

GRANTS & FUNDING INITIATIVES The South West’s local enterprise partnerships (LEPs) process millions of pounds of grants and support packages to businesses in the region each year. Insider has picked out a few of the current schemes that are worth noting:

Natural Capital Demonstrator Regional Recovery Plan n The Heart of the South West LEP n The West of England Combined has launched a £1m fund for local Authority (WECA) has launched a businesses and organisations to new business support programme Hinkley Point C develop and finance natural capital for businesses and individuals projects that support the natural working in the creative industries, as which has a projected lifetime of 60 environment, while at the same time part of its Regional Recovery Plan. years, has an estimated construction providing wider economic benefits. The programme is aimed at cost of somewhere between £19.6bn The Natural Capital Demonstrator small and medium-sized businesses and £20.3bn and if all goes to plan it (NCD) Fund is available for capital (SMEs) that require support as a will be up and running by 2025. expenditure on a loan basis. This result of the Covid-19 pandemic. An estimated 2,500 companies funding approach has been designed There will also be grants for have already won contracts on the to test a new way of financing the creative projects that support project and recent figures show that protection and enhancement of the recovery and resilience. A grant spending with businesses in the South area’s natural assets. fund for freelancers will give self- West has passed £2.2bn. Natural capital is the sum of our employed people the opportunity to ecosystems, species, freshwater, become more resilient in response Railways land, soils, minerals, air and our seas. to the Covid-pandemic. A grant fund Rail passengers are set to see the These are all elements of nature for businesses will fund creative historic Bristol Temple Meads brought that either directly or indirectly projects that support recovery back to its former glory with a huge bring value to people and the and resilience, employ freelance restoration programme. country at large. They do this in creatives, engage local communities Last summer Network Rail’s plans many ways but chiefly by providing and advance diversity and inclusion. reached an important milestone food, clean air and water, wildlife, Grants will range from £1,000 to with the signing of Taziker as primary energy, wood, recreation and £3,000 for freelancers and £5,000 contractor in a three-year refurbish- protection from hazards. to £10,000 for businesses. ment of the famous Victorian roof on the city’s oldest station. The £24m Crowdfund Dorset Business contract scheme is expected to see n In response to the Covid-19 pandemic Dorset Local Enterprise Partner- around 75 full-time workers onsite at ship set up the Crowdfund Dorset Business campaign. The initiative offers the peak of the project. micro, small and social enterprise businesses up to £5,000 of match-funding, The project is part of a wider pro- provided they can raise an equivalent amount from 10 or more supporters. gramme of rail upgrades in the area. Developed as part of Crowdfunder UK’s pay-it-forward campaign and It comes after Network Rail with support from Enterprise Nation, the scheme has so far pledged over completed the electrification of the £36,000 in match-funding to nine businesses and projects across Dorset. Severn Tunnel, the last piece in the Lorna Carver, Dorset LEP director, says: “We created Crowdfund jigsaw to electrify the Great Western Dorset Business as an additional opportunity to help local businesses and route, enabling direct travel to London organisations adapt to the challenges of trading through the pandemic.” Paddington on higher speed trains.

3 INTRODUCTION WORKFORCE REVIEW & EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Top of the class Insider assesses the strength of education and training in the South West

n The South West has long been top 4,000 entrepreneurs helping them to Top spot of the list when people are asked the raise £1.8bn investment in the process. This year the University of Bath region where they would most like to The fact that the South West is the retained its position as one of the best live and work. But it’s not all about the home of the UK’s aviation industry UK universities and has been ranked lifestyle. A large part of the region’s has meant that the region has long the best in the South West by The success is due to its thriving academic been able to rely on a highly skilled Sunday Times Good University Guide. sector and the fact it has one of the workforce. Major employers in the Meanwhile, Bath Spa is thought to most skilled workforces in the country. region include the likes of Airbus, GKN, be considering reshaping its campus. Bristol, Bath and Exeter are always in Rolls Royce and Meggitt along with The university currently occupies high demand each year when the latest engineering firm Renishaw. multiple locations across the city. generation of school-leavers consider Historically, Exeter has also been The University of the West of their options. But the younger univer- one of the places most popular with England has been steadily adding a sities are fast catching up. students in the UK and it is leading the series of new facilities and buildings. The latest additions include new student housing and a state of the art engineering building.

Game changers In another landmark development, the University of Bath, is building a £70m Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems (IAAPS) at the Bristol and Bath Science Park. The aim is to create a global centre Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems of excellence to help the automotive sector create future generations of At the heart of that success story way when it comes to the key issue of ultra-low emission vehicles. sits SetSquared which was launched sustainability. The university is home But all of the investment taking in 2002 and involved a partnership to the UK’s top five most influential place at universities across the region between some of the region’s top climate scientists according to the is set to be dwarfed by the University universities. The unique enterprise global Reuters Hot List. It also has the of Bristol. The university’s new campus partnership now involves Bath, Bristol, joint highest number of climate scien- in Temple Meads will be a game- Exeter, Southampton and Surrey. tists in the top 100 of any institute in changer for the university and the city. the world. The Temple Quarter Enterprise Incubator Bath is known across the world for Campus will be home to 3,000 It is now ranked as the world’s leading its Georgian architecture and stunning students and 800 university staff, business incubator and the figures setting which has helped to reinforce business and community partners and speak for themselves. Since launching, its status as one of the most popular provide residential accommodation for SetSquared has supported more than places to study in the country. 953 students.

4 BRISTOL

Bright future The biggest city in the South West is bursting back into life after a year of uncertainty n Bristol has long been the economic Confidence returns powerhouse of the South West and And the developers must be confident the events of the past 14 months that once normality returns we will all have done little to change that status. be heading back into the office. There At the start of the Covid crisis, are a number of major schemes under the city was going through a property way or being planned. Finzels Reach, boom and the cranes continue to one of the biggest developments in dominate the city’s skyline. the city centre, is now entering its The city has long had a reputation second stage. And at the heart of the for being a haven for free-thinkers and development will be a £70m sustaina- creativity and there is no denying Bris- ble office building. tol still leads the way when it comes to Developer Cubex has appointed commerce and professional services. Willmott Dixon as the main contrac- Bristol’s economy is valued at tor on the innovative 116,000 sq ft, £11.7bn and compared with other ma- grade-A building. The building is sched- jor cities, Bristol enjoys a high GVA per uled for completion in spring 2022. head value, £27,148, the highest among There is also a major scheme which Halo at Finzels Reach the core cities and overall fifth highest will cement the re-emergence of Old in the United Kingdom after London, Market as a thriving area of the city. transformation of the historic station Edinburgh, Belfast and Glasgow. Old Market used to have an unhap- alongside the creation of a new urban There is also the feeling that having py reputation, but there has been a campus for Bristol University. Covid a single mayor in charge at the council marked change in recent years and the has meant the £300m plans have been has meant it has become easier to get redevelopment of Gardiner Haskins, delayed by another two years but they ambitious schemes off the ground. a former department store, will speed still seem certain to go ahead. up that process. The £175m scheme One of the big unanswered ques- includes offices, retail space, public tions for the city is how quickly will realm and residential and is hugely the retail and leisure sectors recover? ambitious in scale and ambition. Thanks to its bars, restaurants, retail offering and visitor attractions, the city Brunel’s masterpiece had become one of the UK’s top city One of the main entry points to the break destinations. city, Brunel’s stunning Temple Meads And it seems that the investors railway station, stands next to one of are confident of a swift return to its biggest eyesores. normal service. The Irish chain Dalata Successive councils and government is planning to build a 250 room hotel bodies have struggled to deal with the in the heart of the Old City. dilapidated site that was once home The plans for one of the key sites in to the former Royal Mail sorting office. central Bristol will see one of its oldest University of Bristol campus Now a solution is finally in sight with a buildings brought back into use.

5 ADVERTISING PROFILE

/// FUTURE AMBITION Bristol named UK’s EXPERT COMMENT BRISTOL & BATH: LEADING greenest city 2019 Bristol City Council Bristol City Bath based, Pure Planet Source: Good Move is a sustainable, digital LOW CARBON INNOVATION renewable energy supplier, harnessing The West of England has become a test bed for the sustainable technologies of the future the power of its members to help £333m change the world for good. It has led of GVA generated the way in making 100% renewable Bristol and Bath is a place where creative, digital energy aff ordable and compelling to and high tech meet traditional industry. Our region by low carbon sector the mass-market including becoming: is highly collaborative, with R&D, academia, public Source: West of England Energy Strategy ● Britain’s fi rst energy supplier to sector and business working together across multiple off er both 100% renewable electricity sectors, supported by leading universities and a and 100% carbon off set gas as vibrant digital community. The Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems (IAAPS) Carbon emissions standard. ● Invest Bristol and Bath is the inward investment Britain’s fi rst energy supplier /// reduced by more service of the West of England Combined Authority. Digital Engineering Technology & Innovation than 35% since 2005 to provide 24/7 digital service We’re proud of the innovative businesses that invest, (DETI) Develops and accelerates digital engineering as standard through WattBot, a start out and scale up here – including The Centre across multiple industry sectors – to benefi t future Source: West of England Energy Strategy personalised app and online chat for Modelling and Simulation, Smartia, Latecoere generations, and to help tackle global challenges. function. and two unicorns; Graphcore and OVO Energy. With /// Bristol BioEnergy Centre, at The Bristol Pure Planet is a Which? Recommended an innovative mindset and strong capabilities in R&D Robotics Laboratory (BRL) The BRL is the UK’s most Energy Provider 2020 and 2021, a across aerospace, advanced engineering, digital and Bath and Bristol comprehensive academic centre for multi-disciplinary Future Fifty Tech Nation company, a tech, our region is perfectly placed to lead the global UK's most progressive robotics research in the UK. Top 100 Smaller Company, a member shift to a low carbon economy. /// cities in 2020 Future Smart Aviation and Advanced Urban Air of the Energy Switch Guarantee The region is home to specialist centres for clean Source: Mobility Airbus, Rolls-Royce and GKN Aerospace are scheme, a Living Wage and Disability technologies and the low carbon sector, including the Bankrate: UK Progressive Cities Index 2020 undertaking ground-breaking activities at their sites Confi dent employer, and a signatory Bristol & Bath Science Park, Filwood Green Business in the West of England to contribute to their global to the UN’s Global Compact. Centre and the Future Economy Centre, as well as: corporate sustainable aviation and zero emission Innovation to reach net zero continues /// ambitions. GKN Aerospace will lead a ground-breaking Low Carbon sector apace and 2021 will see more digital The Institute for Advanced Automotive UK collaboration, the £54M H2GEAR programme to services to cut people’s carbon Propulsion Systems (IAAPS) This world-leading in West of England develop hydrogen technology and accelerate aerospace impact by helping manage energy centre of excellence for research, innovation, enterprise employs over 19,000 decarbonisation to zero emissions. Vertical Aerospace consumption in smart homes, as and education supports the future direction of the based in Bristol is leading the development of Urban Air people generating well as support for charging electric automotive industry to ensure ultra-low emissions. Mobility eVTOL aircrafts. £2.4 billion, more EDF Energy vehicles at home and on the road. /// The National Composites Centre (NCC) /// Nuclear Industry Nuclear businesses are fast growing than any other The NCC is one of seven centres that form the UK’s in Bristol and Bath, with hubs actively exploring the English region Steven Day High Value Manufacturing Catapult (HVMC), and is the utilisation of Fusion technologies. Multinationals such as Co-founder, Pure Planet world leading authority on composites. Source: West of England Energy Strategy Efi nor, Engie Ineo and Boccard are located in the region, as well as EDF to support the development of Hinkley Point C.

/// Major companies For further information please contact: [email protected] | www.bristolandbath.co.uk Tel: +44 (0)117 428 6211

West of England Future Ambition.indd All Pages 13/05/2021 11:03 ADVERTISING PROFILE

/// Major companies For further information please contact: [email protected] | www.bristolandbath.co.uk Tel: +44 (0)117 428 6211

West of England Future Ambition.indd All Pages 13/05/2021 11:03 ADVERTISING PROFILE

HOW INVEST BRISTOL & BATH CAN HELP YOU Supporting the growth of your business in the West of England

Invest Bristol & Bath (IBB) is the Inward Investment agency for the West of England Combined Authority. We support businesses who are seeking to enter the region to grow, innovate and collaborate through a range of services, tailored to your business requirements. Our team is experienced, knowledgeable and well connected. Credit: NCC

Some of the services we off er include: ● ● Bespoke research and provision Ongoing support ensuring your Runway East and introduced us to the of regional economic information business continues to develop region’s top digital and technological to support business planning and and grow companies. Their knowledge of the ● regional understanding Internationalisation support region and its networks meant they ● Talent support in accessing through invitations to join virtual could recommend meet-ups, events and recruiting high quality staff and trade missions, and links to the and webinars in the region which will ● Support in identifying the right Department for International Trade. be instrumental to us making the property and location for your right connections, saving us time and business Leading marketing and e-commerce helping to launch our company quick- ● Relocation Advice, support fi rm PushON, founded in Manchester ly. The IBB team will be integral to us and assistance for relocating in 2005 with offi ces in Edinburgh and moving forward our expansion eff orts staff now in Bristol describe how working in the region.” Timothy Willis, Head ● Simplifi ed access to relevant with Invest Bristol & Bath made their of eCommerce, South West, PushON. council, regional business services journey that much easier. and suppliers “Invest Bristol & Bath has been Contact the team at Invest Bristol & ● Introduction to cluster networks; incredibly helpful in making our Bath to explore the range of support meetups and event activity in the transition into Bristol a smooth one. we can off er you and your business, region The team helped source our offi ce at completely free of charge.

For further information and to speak to a member of the team, please contact us at: Tel: +44 (0)117 428 6211 | Email: [email protected] | Web: bristolandbath.co.uk

pxx_West of England Combined Authority_PROFILE_16526.indd 6 13/05/2021 12:27 BATH

Regency regeneration Covid restrictions hit the historic city of Bath hard. But there is reason for optimism that the city and surrounding North East Somerset region will get back on its feet in the year ahead n The city remains one of the jewels in West of England Combined Authority of Bath, Bath Spa University, Bath & the crown of the region, a destination approved the outline business case for North East Somerset Council and the city with its elegant Georgian architec- the I-START project and late last year West of England Combined Authority. ture and rich history, but there’s also agreed to invest £300,000 to develop plenty of regeneration on its way. and design the project further. Retail destination Bath Quays will arguably be the I-START is designed to help local The city remains critically reliant on most significant new development people to gain new skills and re-train the resurgence of tourism, retail and opportunity in Bath for 25 years. The for roles in the creative and digital leisure. A project to breathe new life waterfront mixed-use scheme is only sectors. It also aims to provide a more into vacant shops and buildings in high five minutes’ walk from Bath Spa flexible approach to learning which streets across Bath and North East railway station. The site is approximately will fit around people’s busy lives. This Somerset has recently been awarded 2.2 hectares and is the first office-led would help more people from diverse £500,000 from the West of England regeneration project of this scale to social and educational backgrounds Combined Authority’s Recovery Fund. come to the market, potentially repre- gain new skills. The Vacant Units Action Project will senting £160m of investment value. The plan is to create an innovation see empty properties in Bath used for The city is also leading the way with centre – believed to be the first of its creative projects and pop-up business- its fight against pollution. The recently kind in the UK – on Bath College’s City es, with satellite projects in nearby created Bath clean air zone (CAZ), is Centre campus. The innovation centre Keynsham and Midsomer Norton to the first of its kind in England outside will also work with businesses, helping follow across a two-year programme. the capital. Commercial vehicles which them develop new ideas. The project will be delivered by Bath do not meet required emission stand- The then West of England Mayor, & North East Somerset Council as ards now have to pay a daily charge to Tim Bowles, said: “I am keen to ensure part of its High Streets Renewal pro- drive through the city. that all our residents can realise their gramme. Alongside this, further match potential by gaining the digital skills funding and in-kind support will be Skills drive our region needs in future.” provided by the council and Bath BID. Plans for a new training centre in Bath The I-START project involves The project follows on from a focused on digital skills and careers a ground-breaking collaboration successful pilot to celebrate local retail have recently been given a boost. The between the college, the University during the lead-up to Christmas 2020.

9 ADVERTISING PROFILE

SAILGP SET TO BRING HUGE BENEFITS TO LOCAL BUSINESSES Plymouth is getting ready to welcome one of the world’s most impressive sailing events this summer: the SailGP Great Britain Sail Grand Prix

Taking place on 17 and 18 July 2021, this major sailing grand prix is predicted to bring an £18 million economic boost to Plymouth. The opening event of SailGP Season 2 took place in Bermuda in April and saw Sir Ben Ainslie and the Great Britain SailGP team crowned winners. Triumphantly beating their counterparts from Australia and France during two days of intense racing at incredible speeds, they set the tone for what should be an exceptionally competitive SailGP season. catamarans, capable of speeds be key if local businesses are to The season culminates with a exceeding 50 knots (nearly 60mph), maximise the opportunities offered $1 million winner-takes-all match race race around Plymouth Sound. by this global event and seize real in the final in San Francisco in March SailGP is sailing redefined and not tangible benefits. 2022. Yet that’s not only the prize fund only for the sailing enthusiast – but To make this easier, Plymouth City that SailGP unlocks. for anyone that wants to be part of a Council has created a dedicated area Plymouth was selected to host truly thrilling, adrenalin packed, annual for SailGP on the Invest Plymouth SailGP’s Season 2 UK grand prix after global sports championship. website, containing key information, a bidding process involving five other The UK event in SailGP Season 1 event updates and details about how cities. Far from being incidental, the in 2019 was witnessed by 24,000 to engage with the event. location of a major event such as spectators and delivered millions in A business engagement pack has SailGP can be instrumental in the economic impact to the community. also been created with five easy value it brings, attracting global It also reached a total global audience ways to engage with the event, attention and supplying Britain’s of 231 million thanks to a broadcast including all the social media channels Ocean City with a boost to tourism, deal with Sky Sports. With Season 2 to interact with, how to promote leisure and hospitality. off to such a tremendous start, the your own SailGP-related events and Plymouth’s waterfront will provide a rich offerings for businesses are ever how to capitalise on the three key spectacular viewpoint for thousands more apparent. themes of the event: Global, Inspire of spectators to watch the F50 Involvement and engagement will and Sustainability.

Find out more at investplymouth.co.uk/sailgp

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Picture postcard powerhouse Devon has undergone a transformation in recent years, with a new focus on digital and data-driven technologies, and cutting-edge marine specialists

n Thanks to its sweeping moorland and wide open spaces, Devon is by far the largest county in the South West of England. And although it has three major population areas in the form of Plymouth, Torbay, and Exeter, the county is made up of large swathes of open countryside. As a result of its natural beauty and stunning landscapes, Devon is heavily reliant on the tourism industry, which meant it was harder hit than most by the pandemic. The reliance on retail and tourism resulted in faster increases in unemployment, and higher rates of the number of people on furlough than Aerial view of Millbay, Plymouth the rest of the country. The Chancellor’s big flourish at and Plymouth made the final list and is match-funded. The announcement is the end of this year’s budget was expected to start in 2022. a major boost in a county which has his announcement of which bids for Plymouth joined forces with Devon traditionally lost out when it comes to Freeport status had been successful – County and South Hams District Coun- government-backed schemes. cil, and the Heart of the South West LEP to work on its bid. The Freezone Economic powerhouse will include sites at Devonport’s South Devon’s £17.7bn economy has tended Yard, Langage Energy Zone and a new to grow at the same rate as the business park next to the A38. national average with output increas- Estimates suggest the zone could ing by 15.5 per cent from 2014 to 2018. create more than 1,000 jobs in the Employment rates in Devon are 4 per first two years and up to 9,000 over cent higher than the national average the coming decade. The team behind at 79.5 per cent, with 82.2 per cent the bid has estimated more than 70 of the working age population actively local businesses will benefit from the engaged in the economy. Unemploy- scheme, which is forecast to bring in ment rates tend to be relatively low more than £100m in investment over but there are variations across the six years. county. Rates have risen much faster The Government is providing initial than the national since the start of The Met Office, Exeter funding for the Freeport, which will be the pandemic.

11 ADVERTISING PROFILE

/// FUTURE AMBITION “Taunton will be flourishing, distinctive, and healthy – and the country’s benchmark Garden Town. We will be proud to live and work in a place where the outstanding natural environment, diverse and thriving economy and inspiring cultural offer, contribute to an exceptional quality of life and well-being.”

Taunton town centre benefits from a significant number of opportunity sites, which together have the potential to pave the way for the transformation of the town. The regeneration sites offer fantastic opportunities to RESTORED GARDEN IN FRONT OF THE GRADE II LISTED MARKET HOUSE ON THE PARADE maximise growth on central brownfield sites. Many of them are publicly owned and the Council is working in close partnership with Homes England, Somerset County FIREPOOL WILL BRING QUARTER OF A BILLION POUNDS Council, the Local Enterprise Partnership, Network Rail WORTH OF BENEFITS AND INCLUDE £8 MILLION POUNDS WORTH OF CLIMATE INITIATIVES and the Environment Agency. TAUNTON GARDEN Green Infrastructure is integral to Taunton’s growth and provides notable opportunities to deliver the Garden Town vision. Wildlife and people thrive where green LEADER OF SOMERSET TOWN 2040 spaces and natural habitats are well connected. Our WEST AND TAUNTON strategy is to ensure new development, regeneration, SHARES VISION Taunton’s new 2040 Vision seeks a billion pounds to regenerate County Town traffic improvements and other works, will enhance our green spaces. “We hope that Garden Town 2040 will act as a Taunton benefits from a truly unique landscape setting, This will be complemented by a garden grid network of catalyst for the regeneration of Taunton, unlocking enjoying the best of town and country. Taunton’s hub green corridors and greener streets, which connect the public and private investment. You will see a location at the centre of the South West is a key asset town’s parks and open spaces with the Tone Riverside transformed town centre as well as an improved to the town and its economic prosperity. As people and the wider Somerset countryside. Planting street interconnected network of green spaces and and business look to move away from expensive major trees and establishing mini-orchards and rain gardens liveable, walkable neighbourhoods which encourage conurbations, Taunton provides national access but will diversify the townscape, enrich the landscape and walking and cycling. We will re-imagine our town with enhanced lifestyle. reconnect urban life to meadows. centre, providing a more diversified offer with retail Taunton’s distinctive skyline is dominated by the Blue Infrastructure will re-establish connections based around experiences and encouraging town magnificent church towers. Taunton’s town centre GROWING QUALITY PLACES TO LIVE - TOWN CENTRE, between Taunton and the surrounding landscape centre living and a new leisure and cultural offer. Our NEW AND EXISTING NEIGHBOURHOODS contains some 210 listed buildings, and numerous by making the most of its rivers, canal, streams, and plan is ambitious and exciting, but also achievable. other historic buildings, which create Taunton’s vibrant watercourses. Taunton owes its location to the River We believe that Taunton is ideally placed to become and attractive environment. These are knitted together The delivery of the Garden Town creates the Tone and its tributaries. Together with the Bridgwater and the best place to live, work and grow in the UK.” by streets and spaces that retain their historic charm. opportunity to raise design quality, providing Taunton Canal, the River Tone connects the town to the Taunton’s streets and roads will provide a network environmentally sustainable design across Taunton, in surrounding countryside. Councillor Federica Smith- Roberts of safe, inclusive and comfortable green streets and both buildings and the spaces in between them. This public spaces, integrating landscape, parking and water in turn will impact on value and returns on investment, sensitive design to provide attractive and functional as well as the successful regeneration of the town, places for public life and work towards Taunton being a since high levels of design and build quality impact on For more information contact: Garden Town Team Beacon Cycling Town. perceptions of a place. [email protected]

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/// FUTURE AMBITION TAUNTON AN INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM OF NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE

/// UK Hydrographic Offi ce TAUNTON A world-renowned organisation based in Taunton with 850 staff , which is the global market leader for maritime geospatial data. Its market-leading portfolio of ADMIRALTY INNOVATION Maritime Data Solutions is found on over 90% of the world’s ships trading internationally DISTRICT INNOVATION DOMAINS WITHIN SWT Ambition to create the ﬁ rst /// Innovation District in the South West The Rutherford / NHS Advanced Global Marine Health/Medtech Diagnostics & Innovation Centre Data Systems Insurtech & The fi rst of a national network to be built Photonics Taunton combines superb natural surroundings with a under a Development Framework Agreement thriving town centre, a great quality of life and space for between Rutherford Health and Equitix – businesses to grow. Located halfway between Bristol Digital & Creative a leading investor, developer, and long-term and Exeter, Taunton’s profi le as an attractive market fund manager of core infrastructure assets in town is now being recognised. Waste Mgt/ the UK and Europe. The innovative partnership During the summer of 2020, Somerset West and Nuclear and Recycling/ between Rutherford Health and Somerset Taunton Council undertook a study of the unique Renewable Biomanufacturing NHS Foundation Trust will establish a new Energy including circular business characteristics off ered by the town and its economy state of the art diagnostics centre providing capacity for innovation to support both the development CT, MRI, X-Ray and other relevant diagnostic of knowledge-based jobs for the next generation of services, facilitated by Rutherford’s long-term working professionals, and to establish its footing as a technology partner Philips. Due to open shortly healthy, fl ourishing business destination. in Autumn 2021. It became apparent that the town has an exciting future, of the resident business community to ensuring the with thriving business-led clusters well positioned to drive town achieves its ambitions in becoming a distinctive economic growth in a post Covid economy. Proposals knowledge-based business destination with an /// The Taunton to re-purpose and regenerate Taunton and its high economy to suit. This will be achieved under the Digital Innovation Centre (TDIC) streets have inspired and galvanised the commitment umbrella of the Taunton Innovation District, the UK’s Somerset County Council and our District are working towards a Digital Innovation Centre in Taunton that will provide fl exible, high-quality innovation space and support services for technology entrepreneurs, aiming to open in 2022. The site is close to the UK Hydrographic Offi ce, and tenants will have access to knowledge & research brokerage services linked to its globally signifi cant geospatial data resources. The Somerset County Council supported centre will be a hub of knowledge excellence in Taunton and an inspiring environment in which to create and build new NEXUS 25 IS A 62-ACRE EMPLOYMENT SITE, ITS LOCATION 400M FROM J25 OF THE M5, technology businesses across the digital and HAS THE CAPACITY TO SECURE INWARD INVESTMENT AND RAISE THE AREA’S SKILL BASE creative sectors.

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/// FUTURE AMBITION TAUNTON AN INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM OF NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE

Future Ambition profile SW Version.indd 20-21 13/05/2021 17:07 /// FUTURE AMBITION

fi rst non-city innovation district and a distinct alternative to a traditional out-of-town science parks. It brings together a cluster of over 500 knowledge- based SMEs covering: healthcare, MedTech and eHealth; cultural, digital and creative businesses; AI and Big Data in marine science; as well as an established nuclear power industry at Hinkley Point C and businesses seizing new opportunities arising from the Climate Change emergency within the circular economies pertaining to zero carbon and sustainable construction. Taunton also hosts a major hospital, University Centre Somerset and two innovation centres, which are due

to come on-stream this year and in 2022, of which the DESIGNS FOR AN £87M SURGICAL CENTRE INCLUDE OPERATING THEATRES, A CRITICAL CARE UNIT AND AN ENDOSCOPY SUITE combined workforce within these sectors amounts to +10,000. Known as 'The Innovation District', the town centre Taunton’s Innovation District also has a range of serves as the campus for collaborative innovation; approved development sites for knowledge-based research and development; knowledge transfer businesses; whether for start-ups, Grow-on space and networking. Connected by a network of cycle or inward investments; and a College and University routes with links to the main line railway station, these Centre, which will be aligned to producing the skills businesses are accompanied with cultural and leisure needed for these types of businesses. The Innovation amenities, housing, cafés, restaurants and retail all within District applies the same principles inspired by similar a 5–10-minute walk of the town centre, thereby negating successful districts located in Barcelona, Berlin, the need for commuting and promoting the quality of life Philadelphia, Atlanta, Seattle, London, Stockholm, the so called ‘15-minute cities’ aspire to have. Birmingham and Manchester. It brings together the economic, physical and networking assets in a compact county town area where people, fi rms, students, meeting places and local facilities create the conditions for ideas and collaboration, with support from organisations that help to accelerate innovation and commercialisation. The ‘Innovation District’ concept was proposed by UK innovation experts EiBC, as a part of a recent assessment to both identify Taunton’s innovation assets and form an action plan. With the countryside and coasts nearby; access to aff ordable family housing and UK-leading state and independent schools; and excellent transport links to UNIVERSITY CENTRE SOMERSET PROVIDES LIFELONG LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR TAUNTON’S RESIDENTS London, Bristol and Exeter, Taunton truly is the ‘Gateway to Growth’ in the South West.

For more information contact: Garden Town Team [email protected]

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Rising Somerset From the construction of Hinkley Point C to major regeneration works in Taunton, Somerset is undergoing an incredible transformation n Somerset sits at the heart of the region and in many ways the county is a reflection of how many people outside the region view the West Country. Somerset is famous for its agriculture and landscape but it is also known as a centre for engineering and manufacturing. The area is made up of a collection of large towns each with its own unique identity. The county is one of the most rural in England and it relies heavily on its market towns for employment and services. According to census data, 48.2 per cent of Somerset’s population live in Coal Orchard development in Taunton rural areas, making it one of the most rural areas in England. At the same time the Local inclusive growth. The strategy has But there is a series of regeneration Enterprise Partnership has published identified energy, high-value engineer- scheme in the pipeline. Bridgwater is its strategy for the area. The Build Back ing and digital as the dynamic heart of looking to improve its town centre Better strategy is rooted in the LEP’s our local economy, with opportunities and there a plans for major transfor- Local Industrial Strategy, which has a to drive clean and inclusive growth mational developments in Taunton. distinctive focus to deliver on clean and across multiple sectors.

NORTH SOMERSET North Somerset stands at the crossroads of an exciting creation of an exciting new enterprise zone at Junction new future with a range of large-scale investments in its 21 of the M5. infrastructure, attractions and economic landscape. The area has so far opted to stay out of the alliance of This strategically important district on the edge of the local authorities in the West of England and it prefers to dominating conurbation of Bristol, is best known for its set its own targets for housing, transport and business. tourism industry – with seaside towns such as Weston- The council is looking to build 20,000 homes across super-Mare and Clevedon. But it is also an important the area and along with new road and rail links and there economic powerhouse – home to the Royal Portbury are also plans to create thousands of jobs in the Weston- Dock and Bristol Airport, and big names in the food and super-Mare area. At the same time a big question mark drink sector like Thatchers cider and Yeo Valley. is hanging over Bristol Airport. The airport is keen to The regeneration of the area is being pushed forward press ahead with its plans for a £120m expansion and a with projects like the Foodworks development and the decision on the planning appeal is due later this year.

17 SOMERSET

Build back better Karl Tucker, chair of Heart of the South West LEP, says: “While the immediate focus over the past year has been on protection for those worst hit by the pandemic, it’s vital that we also look at the medium and longer term opportunities to revitalise and strengthen the Heart of the South West economy. “Build Back Better sets out the key transformational opportunities in our area that will unlock investment, create more and better jobs, and deliver carbon-net zero in response to the climate change emergency declared by many of our partners.” Hinkley Point C Somerset is a predominantly small They call it Europe’s biggest The construction project itself is business economy. In 2019, 99.73 construction site with good reason breaking new ground all the time. per cent of businesses in Somerset – the scale of the work taking place The world’s largest land-based crane, employed fewer than 250 employees, at the Hinkley Point C (HPC) nuclear Big Carl, recently lifted the second with 89.78 per cent of those employing power plant on the Somerset coast of three massive containment rings fewer than ten people. has to be seen to be believed. from the bunker it was constructed The £18bn-plus scheme will create in to a lay-down area close by. Now Rural economy 25,000 employment opportunities in being prepared for the final lift into Being a rural county, Somerset has a the construction phase alone – four the first reactor building, the 17m-tall far greater proportion of businesses in years in to the build, and there are ring with a diameter of 47m was built agriculture, forestry and fishing than is thousands of workers on site. 36 per cent faster than the first by the case nationally. The first new nuclear power teams using the experience gained Somerset also has an ageing station to be built in the UK in more during the construction of the first population and just under a quarter of than 20 years, HPC will ultimately ring. people are aged over 65. According to provide low-carbon electricity for The prefabricated steel ring, projections by 2036 nearly one third around six million homes. The elec- which forms part of the reinforced of the population in Somerset will be tricity generated by its two reactors cylinder around the nuclear reactor, 65 or older. will offset nine million tonnes of was lifted out of a bunker where it The county’s economy is worth carbon dioxide emissions a year, was constructed in factory almost £11.6bn and it has grown for or 600 million tonnes over its conditions – one of the innovations the seven years up to the pandemic. 60-year lifespan. to improve quality on the project. The average annual economic growth The epic ten-year construction Prefabrication inside these over the same period has been roughly project will bring huge benefits to bunkers reduces the need to work 3.2 per cent. the UK supply chain – EDF expects at height or in bad weather and the The county also does well when 64 per cent of the project’s value to work can be completed and checked it comes to employment. Somerset be spent in the UK. The supply chain in a controlled setting. has high levels of employment at itself is coordinated by Somerset Big Carl will lift more than 500 80 per cent which is much higher than Chamber of Commerce, working prefabricated steel and concrete ele- the national average. with SWMAS and Business West. ments weighing up to 1,600 tonnes.

18 CORNWALL

Peninsula pride Cornwall is on an extraordinary journey of diversification n It might be one of the most beautiful Green and pleasant parts of the UK, but historically The powers that be are keen to place Cornwall has faced its own challenges. Cornwall at the heart of the green As a result of its reliance on tourism economy. There are hopes that and agriculture, the county has been projects rooted in sustainability will be one of the hardest hit by the pandemic the way forward for the county. There restrictions we have all had to endure. is also a feeling that the impact of the But with growing specialisms in pandemic and the shift towards home digital tech, sustainable energy and working will see more highly skilled space infrastructure and with lithium people moving to the peninsular. – needed for the batteries of future Cornwall’s local enterprise part- electric vehicles – potentially reopening nership has drawn up an industrial the county’s mining industry, Cornwall strategy with the aim of tackling some is rapidly developing a reputation as a of the challenges faced by the county. county of innovation. The aim is to create a carbon-neutral And there are high hopes that economy by 2030 based around the the small matter of the leaders of the county’s abundant natural resources. seven most powerful nations in the Spaceport Cornwall And as part of the strategy the local world descending on the county for enterprise partnership has identified the G7 conference will also help to Cornwall’s contribution to positive five green sectors which will be the raise Cornwall’s profile even higher. global change.” bedrock of the county’s economy. Mark Duddridge, chair of the As one of the poorer areas of the These include clean energy Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local En- UK, the county received high levels resources which include off-shore terprise Partnership, says the summit of funding from the European Union. wind and geothermal energy. is a unique event. He adds: “This is a The Government has said that this will The second area includes geo- once-in-a-generation opportunity to be replaced as part of its levelling up resources which covers natural put Cornwall and its ambitions on a agenda. resources which will be critical to the global stage and secure a lasting eco- It will come as no surprise that transition to the low carbon economy. nomic legacy for our region. the county has a relatively small Data and space is also seen as a “Cornwall has a history of export- population at just under 570,000. critical area, along with the visitor ing its ideas, technology and people There are 24,630 business and the economy. And the final sector is food, around the world and that continues county’s economy is worth an estimat- agriculture and the marine industry. today. We can play an internation- ed £12.3bn. The average wage is also Cornwall will also be home to the ally significant role in pioneering a much lower than the national average UK’s first Spaceport. The hope is the decarbonised economy that creates and currently stands at £20,353, which spaceport will strengthen the Cornish opportunity, harnesses our natural is 18 per cent below the national economy by bringing 150 direct jobs capital and safeguards our planet for average. A further challenge faced by by 2025. The project will add future generations. This summit is a Cornwall is the fact that it is a rapidly £200mGVA to the economy and will tremendous opportunity to highlight ageing population. act as a catalyst for wider growth.

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/// FUTURE AMBITION World-class tech GIGAFACTORY INVESTING IN metal deposits POTENTIAL By generating our own heat and power from renewable resources we can create jobs, drive our CORNWALL economy, secure our supply, Cornwall is using its natural assets to put the green industrial revolution tackle energy inequality and £200m geothermal respond to climate change. at the heart of its economic future pipeline Cornwall sits on one of the largest concentrations of Cornwall has long been a green energy pioneer. From lithium-enriched granite in early ‘hot rocks’ research in the 1970s, to the UK’s the world, a resource the first commercial windfarm in the 1990s, renewable Government has identified as energy is in its DNA. strategically important to the UK for electric vehicle batteries. Blessed with abundant solar and wind resources, 3GW floating There are at least half a dozen Cornwall already generates 40% of its electricity from wind target mining companies actively renewables. And it plans to be carbon neutral by 2030, exploring Cornwall’s mineral 20 years ahead of the UK. wealth, bringing new processes and technologies to extract Today it is pioneering new sources of energy, and will minerals in the most sustainable play a vital role in decarbonising the UK’s economy way. as Britain and countries around the world step up the fight against climate change. But we want to capture more /// Hayle Marine Floating offshore wind: Cornwall will be at the heart than just the raw materials. We That’s a huge investment opportunity, so the Cornwall of the UK’s floating offshore wind industry, targetting Renewables want Cornwall to be a battery and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) the Celtic Sea for 3GW of power by 2030. A 1,800 sq m Business Park production centre for the UK. has made clean energy and green jobs a priority for extension to Hayle Marine Renewables Business Park That’s why we’re talking with growth. Highlights include: is planned. Offshore wind heads the Government’s Government and industry about 10-point plan for a green industrial revolution. the potential for a gigafactory /// Technology metals: Cornwall has world-class in Cornwall, and want to identify /// deposits of technology metals including lithium, tin and Smart energy: projects in Cornwall and on the Isles partners that could help us tungsten, all vital to the low carbon energy transition. The of Scilly have partnered with energy and technology Local energy deliver it. If you’d like to know Department for International Trade identifies Cornwall as giants like Centrica and Hitachi Europe to pioneer flexible testbed more about opportunities in a High Potential Opportunity for mining investment. energy markets, paving the way for a smarter, low- Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, carbon grid. please get in touch. /// Geothermal energy: Cornwall has the UK’s best /// geothermal resources thanks to heat-producing Data and space: earth observation and space- Glenn Caplin-Grey granite deep underground. It is home to the UK’s first derived data are critical to measuring and tackling Chief Executive, Cornwall and geothermal power plant, with more planned. The climate change. Cornwall has the UK’s first horizontal Isles of Scilly LEP latest deep geothermal project is underway at the launch spaceport to deliver satellite technology into Eden Project. space from 2022. www.cioslep.com [email protected]

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Cornwall IOS LEP dps 16530.indd All Pages 12/05/2021 09:59 DORSET

Advancing innovation Defence, engineering, health and agritech lead the way

n The vision of Dorset Local Enterprise with the security infrastructure already Sector specialisms Partnership (LEP) is that by 2033 the in place part of the appeal. There is a Dorset’s advanced engineering and county will be one of Britain’s core land development order on the site manufacturing cluster contributes city-regions, with its competitiveness that makes planning permission more £1.4bn to the local economy and “driven by innovation”. The wheels straightforward too. employs 17,200 people. are already in motion with innova- It is home to German maritime Dorset LEP recently announced tive projects under way such as the advanced engineer company Atlas its successful delivery of the new Bournemouth & Poole College’s Electronik and lightweight composites Government’s major capital Local Engineering & Advanced Manufacturing manufacturer Norco. It is attracting Growth Fund programme in the centre, a new agri-tech centre at smaller businesses too, with 20 new county. More than £169m, combining Kingston Maurward College and industrial units. There are also plans £98m secured by Dorset LEP from the multi-million-pound investment into the for a new Defence Innovation Centre UK Government with public, private Port of Poole’s transport infrastructure. at the Innovation Park Enterprise Zone. and third sector match funding, Dorset Innovation Park Enterprise Dorset famously doesn’t have any has now been invested into 54 growth Zone, which opened three years ago, motorway, and historically infrastruc- projects across the county. aspires to be an advanced engineering ture has been challenging. But there cluster of excellence for the South has been investment in recent years. Building growth West, building on strengths in marine, The Dorset LEP Local Growth Fund Among the schemes has been the defence and energy. programme, for example, has recently creation of three new centres of The creation of the site on part of driven improved access into and excellence in construction, engineer- the former Winfrith Atomic Energy around Bournemouth Airport and ing, and motor vehicle technology at Establishment site is intended to the Port of Poole including a major Weymouth College, the construction support the county’s defence sector reconstruction of the A338 of the new Mary Anning Wing at the Lyme Regis Museum, new cutting-edge orthopaedic technology, accelerating the global reach of ground-breaking orthopaedic research and a new Insti- tute of Medical Imaging and Visualis- ation at Bournemouth University. In March work was also completed on a new state-of-the-art Histopathology Diagnostic Hub at Royal Bournemouth Hospital. Kingston Maurward College opened its specialist Agritech Centre in 2016. More recently the college has received funding for infrastructure upgrades, including 5G and superfast broadband Local Growth Fund project (Histopathology Diagnostic Hub) and new agritech facilities.

22 GLOUCESTERSHIRE

GCHQ Glorious Gloucestershire Gloucestershire boasts some of the highest skillsets in the country – and it’s keen to build on that expertise n Gloucestershire stretches from the Cheltenham Borough Council construction continues to develop. hills of the Cotswolds to the Welsh leader Rowena Hay says: “As a region, The progress on delivery of Golden borders and has one of the most we are already at the forefront of the Valley, is making great strides. “ diverse economies in the South West. UK’s rapidly expanding cyber industry. The GFirst LEP has been award- It is home to a world-leading “With the Golden Valley Devel- ed £8.4m from the Department for engineering company along with opment, we have an outstanding Communities and Local Government’s the GCHQ spy centre and globally opportunity to go further, creating an Growing Places Fund to set up a re- renowned festivals. internationally significant technology volving infrastructure investment fund Ambitious plans are in place as part campus.” for Gloucestershire designed to unlock of the economic recovery post-pan- Having been awarded Garden Com- constrained and stalled developments. demic. The aim is to create a centre of munity status by Homes England, the ZeroAvia, the world’s leading inno- excellence focused on the increasingly development will have sustainability vator in decarbonising aviation, has important issue of cyber security. at its core. An investment of £37.5m, announced it is to open a major facility The cyber park will be based in Chel- which includes the purchase of the at Cotswold Airport at Kemble. It will tenham and the plan is to tap into the land, is the biggest single purchase use the facility as its base for develop- expertise already available at GCHQ. made by Cheltenham Council. ing the breakthrough HyFlyer II project, Alongside this, there are major resi- a hydrogen-electric powered aircraft. dential developments planned for the Bounce back The county’s largest private county in Cheltenham and Tewkesbury. David Owen, the chair of the Local employer, Renishaw, which makes By far the biggest project is the Enterprise Partnership, says the precision engineering instruments, Golden Valley development in county had made enormous economic recently launched a formal sale pro- Cheltenham. As part of the scheme progress in the face of the pandemic. cess after its founders announced that a key route linking the town and the There have been investments in they wish to sell their majority stake. Golden Valley Bypass is undergoing Hartpury University, Cirencester Having started the business together improvements. College, Cheltenham Borough Council, in 1973 the executive chairman Cyber Central UK could eventually and Gloucestershire College. Sir David McMurtry and non-executive create about 12,000 jobs alongside Owen says: “Our eco-system deputy chairman John Deer have plans to build 3,700 homes. for cyber and digital, agri-tech, and announced their intention to sell up.

23 SWINDON & WILTSHIRE

Quality of life Building bridges and leveraging relationships for economic growth

n By 2026, the Swindon and Wiltshire Wiltshire is positioning itself as a employer and investor in the region. Local Enterprise Partnership wants fulcrum for economic growth. For Swindon, preparing for life after the area to be renowned for innova- Although a part of the Western Honda continues to be a key focus. tion, entrepreneurialism and “great Gateway project, the county is not Salisbury and the surrounding area quality of life”. This is a diverse county exclusively tied to the west-looking flourishes as a life sciences hub bol- – ranging from the urban manufac- powerhouse agenda, but manages to stered by the creation of the Porton turing heartlands of Swindon, to the be more agile. Science Park. SME-strongholds of Chippenham, Well connected with Bristol and Melksham, Westbury, Warminster Bath to the west, Oxford to the north Cultural regeneration and Trowbridge, through the wilds of as well as Reading and London to the A bold vision to deliver a Cultural Salisbury Plain with its focus on mili- east, Wiltshire wants to leverage those Quarter in Swindon has been recently tary infrastructure, to the growing life relationships on all sides and perhaps revealed. The Cultural Quarter would sciences and bio-science hubs around be the bridge between them. be delivered over the next 10 years and Porton Down, and the bustling tourism Swindon and Wiltshire is home to located between the railway station draw of the cathedral city of Salisbury. some major names such as WH Smith, and the new Zurich offices. Wiltshire remains one of the only Intel and Nationwide as well as a large The Cultural Quarter vision has counties in the UK without its own Ministry of Defence presence across been developed by Swindon Borough university, and as with many rural Salisbury Plain. It is home to 38,000 Council in partnership with key cultural counties, there are ongoing challenges businesses generating £18bn GVA. organisations. A 1,200-seat theatre around transport and infrastructure – Dyson’s relocation of its HQ to would form a key part of the new with a focus on better rural digital Singapore and the cancellation of its cultural offer. connectivity and more resilient electric car programme made headlines It is estimated more than 850,000 north-south transport connections. in recent years but it remains a major people will visit the Cultural Quarter and its venues in the first year.

Landmark vision Further south, the A303 Stonehenge upgrade is the biggest road scheme to be built in the South West in recent years. The transformational A303 Amesbury to Berwick Down scheme past Stonehenge was recently given the green light by the secretary of state for transpor. According to an independent economic assessment, improving the A303 corridor will help to create 21,000 jobs and deliver a Porton Science Park £39bn boost in the long term.

24 ADVERTISING PROFILE

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