Local enterprise partnership

Heart of the South West

Devon - Plymouth - Somerset - Torbay

Delivering growth and prosperity across Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay.

The Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) was formed under the leadership of the private sector supported by the local authorities from Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay to create a powerful economic alliance. Its objectives are to create new jobs, raise productivity levels and increase average wages.

The Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership was formally recognised in April 2011.

A copy of the prospectus is available below.

Board appointed for Heart of the South West Partnership

The Heart of the South West LEP has formally agreed its board of directors, with eight representatives from the private sector appointed to join other members to form the Partnership Board.

The members of the full board are:

• Nicholas Ames - Managing Director, Supacat Limited
• Simon Barker - Director Strategy and Alliances UK Government Business, Agusta Westland
• Dr Stephen Bird - Operations Director, South West Water Limited
• Frances Brennan - SW Regional Director, Working Links
• Adam Chambers - Chief Executive Officer, Peninsula Enterprise
• Nick Engert - Consultant to Clarke Willmott LLP
• Tim Jones - Chartered Surveyor/Commercial Property Developer
• Vaughan Lindsay - Chief Executive, Dartington Hall Trust
• David Allen - Registrar and Deputy Chief Executive, University of Exeter
• Rachel Davies - Principal, Somerset College
• Councillor Ted Fry - Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder Economic Development, Plymouth City Council
• Councillor David Hall - Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Economic Development, Somerset County Council
• Councillor William Mumford - Cabinet Member for Economy, Enterprise and Employment, Devon County Council
• Gordon Oliver - Mayor and Leader of Torbay Council
• Professor Wendy Purcell - Vice-Chancellor, University of Plymouth

The priorities for the partnership include job creation and business expansion, developing skills and boosting wages as well as creating the right conditions for economic growth.

The Board will seek to use its influence to pressure government where necessary by acting as advocates for the area and speaking out on issues that affect enterprise and economic development.

Enabling growth and prosperity

The Heart of the South West LEP's business plan has been launched. It is designed to guide the activities of the LEP over the next three years and to provide a framework to inform activity. It also provides details of how the LEP is structured and how it will operate on a day to day basis. The business plan has been developed by the LEP Board, and is available on the Heart of the South West website. A copy can also be downloaded below.

Further information about the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership may be found on the Heart of the South West website.

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