Leaders push for a South West powerhouse

Sarah Jones MP told the conference there was huge potential for the power industry in the South West

Business leaders and politicians have put their cases for a South West powerhouse to the government.

The Great South West Partnership has brought together leaders from industry, politics and academia to work on promoting Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset as one unit on the national stage.

The partnership believes the region could be a leading force in issues of defence, energy and food production and is holding a conference with 500 guests expected.

Sarah Jones MP, Minister of State for Industry, was the keynote speaker at the conference, which was held at Sandy Park, home to the Exeter Chiefs rugby team.

Renewable energy production is one of the great strengths of the South West, industry leaders believe

Organisers said the conference was putting the "spotlight on why the region matters to the future success and security of the UK economy".

The Great South West Independent Economic Review will be launched at the conference which business leaders said would "support the mission to elevate the visibility, influence and leadership that the Great South West can play for the UK economy".

The conference comes at a time when the government is also asking local councils to consider bidding for more powers of devolution.

Ms Jones told the conference the potential of the power industry was "huge" if people worked together.

"The innovation, the ideas and potential is huge," she said.

“I think the best way to realise that potential is for people to work together so they can make the case for growth, innovation, and reform. I think that is really important.

“What is really clear is there is a lot of potential we could be unlocking here.”

Liberal Democrat MP for North Devon Ian Roome said people needed to "lobby and come together".

MP Ian Roome said parliamentarians could do a lot by lobbying the government to get what is needed for the South West

"I think parliamentarians can do a lot to lobby the government and get what we need here in the South West - that vital investment," said Mr Roome.

Co-founder of Headforwards, Toby Parkins said the South West could bring "lots of different industries together".

He said: "It can speak to government as one voice and really try and get the investment we see going into the Northern Powerhouse or the Midlands Engine, the investment the South East naturally gets.

“The South West is one of the fastest growing areas in terms of the number of businesses and its economic output."

Head of Stakeholder Relations, EDF Energy, Andrew Cockcroft added: “The South West is clearly is able to secure future investment into energy of all forms. Nuclear, renewables, battery storage and Hinkley Point C is a catalyst for that."