Building on the strengths of the South West

The South West is home to an incredible range of successful businesses – from aerospace to luxury yachts, animation to food and drink. And in his speech at the region’s CBI Economics Dinner, CBI President John Allan highlighted the importance of taking the politics out of the next phase of Brexit, so as not to drain investment and growth out of the area. But he went on to focus on what was needed to help the local economy thrive.

Action on devolution

His first push was on devolution. Referencing the CBI’s Powering up places report, he emphasised the need for a roadmap from government outlining exactly how the UK can get the right decision-making power to the right places.

“Here in the South West, we have seen some progress through the West of England Combined Authority, which launched its Local Industrial Strategy earlier this year,” he explained.

He pointed to the CBI’s work with the Great South West campaign to strengthen the voice of business across the region. This has seen CBI South West Chair, Susan Davy, and former Chair, Steve Hindley, visit No.10 this month to discuss progress.

“But we now need politicians to act. As a first step – we are calling for the UK government to publish a devolution framework. So that local authorities know what funding they can bid for, what powers they can be granted, and how success will be measured.”

Invest in infrastructure

In his speech, John cited public expenditure figures that put South West transport expenditure at just £290 per head, compared to over £1,000 per person in London.

“It means that, compared to London and the South East, the South West is having to drive uphill,” he said.

“And frustratingly, we know what’s needed. Not tinkering around the edges – but big, ambitious investments. Upgrading major motorways, a new dual carriageway to ease traffic on the A303 and better access to Bristol Airport.

“It’s almost farcical that people across the South West still have to travel to Heathrow despite Bristol being far nearer for most – simply due to poor connections.”

He also welcomed Senior Vice President of Airbus Katherine Bennett’s appointment as the new Chair of Western Gateway – a key transport body for the South West, aimed at strengthening business-government partnerships to transform connectivity across the region.

Strength in education

And on skills, he called for a sensible immigration policy, but he also emphasised the CBI’s support of the region’s 12 universities as “one of the big reasons South West industry has been so successful to date”.

“We will continue to defend your ambitions ensuring that the government – no matter who is in power next year – protects university funding and by helping you maintain strong links with industry.”

“And if we get all this right, devolution, infrastructure, and skills, just imagine what we could achieve. Using the know-how of over 5 million people across the region, the drive of business, and the energy of our political leadership. Imagine what this would do to our productivity and to regional inequality.

“Now is the time for the whole of the South West to come together.”