“The South West continues to have a very attractive and viable proposition, particularly in the blue and green economy, including marine, energy and renewables to name but a few of our exciting opportunities.” [Chair of the Great South West]
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The question was asked after the Budget last week: Are Sidmouth and the South West good places to work and to do business? – Vision Group for Sidmouth
It was also asked following the report from Nat West, showing a rise the ‘business activity’: South West Business activity returns to growth in February | Somerset County Gazette
Last week, Business Live gave its verdict on the Budget: At a glance: Key points from Jeremy Hunt’s 2023 Budget – Business Live
And it also reported on what business leaders in the South West thought:
South West business leaders have described the region being unrepresented on a list of new ‘investment zones’ announced in the Budget as “disappointing” and “a blow”. During his speech, the Chancellor listed 12 locations across the UK which the government had identified as new “potential Canary Wharfs”. These areas will receive £80m each over five years, including “generous tax incentives”. The funding can be used to improve skills, provide specialist business support, improve the planning system or for local infrastructure. Eight places in England have been shortlisted to host the zones, with none located in the South West, with Devon and Plymouth Chamber tweeting during the announcement there was “no mention” of the region.
The Great South West Partnership, a Government-backed partnership aiming to position the region as the UK’s green economic ‘powerhouse’, said the snub showed the area was “well down” on the government’s priority list.
‘No mention of the South West’ – business leaders react to the Budget – Business Live
With more here from Karl Tucker, interim Chair of the Great South West:
“Despite the fact that the region has been overlooked for potential new investment zones, the South West continues to have a very attractive and viable proposition, particularly in the blue and green economy, including marine, energy and renewables to name but a few of our exciting opportunities.” Great South West
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