Whilst Heart of the South West LEP continues to map out its transition of functions to local authorities, key projects are being delivered
Announcing £144,500 funding for the iAero centre, an Agri-tech Showcase, Net Zero and Sustainability Workshop, Geat South West event and Angel Investment Network…
Report reveals thousands of jobs and millions of pounds boost to South West economy
Our latest impact report reveals that since 2011, over 7,000 jobs have been created by LEP funding, generating more than £2.3 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA). The report evaluates the outcomes of the Growing Places Fund, Local Growth Fund, and Getting Building Fund.
The funding is forecast to have created over 20,700 jobs by March 2025, and £6.8 billion of GVA, through projects which have supported areas of competitive advantage, infrastructure, innovation, business support, people and skills
£140k for ‘Factory of the Future’
iAero Centre in Yeovil received £144,500 to support Factory of the Future. The funding will help install an Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) Factory+ Demonstrator and equipment, to create a dedicated digital data demonstration space.
iFACTORe will allow companies in the industry to collect and analyse vast amounts of data, with the potential to enhance efficiency and productivity whilst also fostering innovation and competitiveness.
Key event to focus on role of agri-tech
This year’s AgriTech Showcase will be held at Westpoint Arena in Exeter on 21 March. The event will focus on the commercialisation and adoption of new, innovative and impactful agri-tech. Agri-tech is a major component in the development of a secure and sustainable food supply chain.
Karl Tucker, chair of Heart of the South West LEP and the Great South West said: “With a growing population, changing climate patterns, and the need for more sustainable practices, food security is one of the biggest challenges facing the UK.”
Net Zero and Sustainability workshop
The Heart of the South West Growth Hub has partnered with Prosper to host a Net Zero and sustainability workshop. The event will take place on 7th February at Exeter Science Park.
Whether you’re new to net zero or keen to be green but would like to know more, this free event will give you the insight you need to make your business thrive, save money and reduce your carbon footprint, as well as connecting you to the right support to get you one step further.
Region’s opportunities to be put on national stage at major event
The Great South West’s ‘Delivering for the UK’ conference will take place on Friday 13th September. The event will bring together leading national and regional figures, and business leaders, showcasing the region’s role in driving economic growth across the country.
As global conflicts, food and energy production challenges, availability of vital raw materials and fluctuating markets impact economies, supply chains and societies around the world, our region’s key sectors in energy, defence and food are proving vital to the country’s future prosperity.
Angel Investor programme
Tech South West’s Angel Investor Programme is establishing a community of investors to support the tech sector by catalysing growth, fostering diversity, and addressing funding challenges. The programme will educate and support 40 new angel investors for the region.
The programme also offers to generate an anticipated £2.8 million of angel investment annually, resulting in a total funding boost of £9 million. Get involved with the Angel Investor Programme by emailing: [email protected]
