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“The South West continues to thrive as a region”

  • by JW

“Plenty to be positive about when reflecting on 2022.”

PLUS: Ideas to help make your business more sustainable.

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The SouthWest Business Live team have sent out their end-of-year newsletter:

This year has, arguably, been even more challenging for some businesses than during the pandemic. The political and economic turmoil, rising inflation, labour shortages and weakening demand have all posed problems for firms in our region. Private sector activity continued to fall in the three months to December, according to a new report by the CBI, and it’s a downward trend that looks set to deepen going into 2023.

But there is plenty to be positive about when reflecting on 2022. The South West continues to thrive as a region, positioning itself as the UK’s green energy powerhouse. There are numerous exciting developments happening in the West of England that are worth keeping an eye on over the next 12 months. From progress at Hinkley Point C in Somerset and the freeport in Plymouth to the UK’s first space launch from Cornwall and a huge new cyber development in Gloucestershire, the region has plenty to be proud about.

With that in mind, the team at BusinessLive South West hopes to bring you lots more exciting stories in 2023.

South West – Business news, local news, expert opinion – Business Live

The highlights perhaps could be criticised for being rather heavy on the heavy hand of ‘huge’-scale development – and yet it was inspiring to be reminded of the November story of “a major summit showcasing the South West’s potential as the UK’s green energy powerhouse” has taken” taking place in Plymouth:

The summit examined the West of England’s energy opportunities including floating offshore wind, battery storage, hydrogen and geothermal. It also explored some of the challenges facing the development of the energy sector, including improving grid capacity, building talent pipelines, and skills needs.

Earlier in November, the British Chambers of Commerce South West (BCCSW) called on the government to recognise the South West’s importance as the blue-green powerhouse of the country, urging new chancellor Jeremy Hunt to provide more investment into infrastructure in the region.

South West showcases plan to become UK’s ‘green energy powerhouse’ – Business Live

The Sustainable Sidmouth Champions Awards have put together several business-focussed postings over the last week – themselves very much focussing on “blue-green” ways forward:

Ideas to help make your business more sustainable – Sustainable Sidmouth Champion Awards

Ideas to help make your business more sustainable: SUPPLY CHAINS – Sustainable Sidmouth Champion Awards

More such postings coming this week!

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