Transport infrastructure and connectivity is essential to keep the engine of the south west economy driving forward. The region has a strong economic record to be proud of, and with the latest ONS employment figures standing at 80.2% for the south west – the highest rate of anywhere in the UK – we need to consider how we can build upon this to make the region an even more attractive destination for business.
Our members in the region have made it clear that transport infrastructure improvements are essential for the south west to support future business growth and remain an attractive destination to work and live. Building on this, over the past six months, we have engaged with members in the region and those who do business in the south west, to understand the challenges facing members, and what transport priorities they would prioritise to help the long-term economic success for the region.
Engaging with sub-national transport bodies
This consultation has come at an opportune moment as the establishment of the regions two sub-national transport bodies (STBs) began this year, and in the past month, the inaugural meetings of both Peninsula STB and Western Gateway STB Stakeholder Forum’s have taken place – both of which the CBI have been invited to sit on and take part in.
STB’s are being set up all across England to provide strategic direction for regional transport, and to ensure that region’s have an effective role in prioritising and planning transport improvements.
Meeting up to three times a year, the CBI’s involvement on both of these forum’s will ensure the voice of members is fed directly into the process deciding upon the region’s priorities.
Whilst we welcome this opportunity to engage, the CBI will continue to call on the region to be more ambitious, and think in a bigger, more strategic manner. Members have made it clear that a single STB covering the whole South West region would be more desirable – something that the incumbent Secretary of State for Transport agrees with us on. We will continue to push for this, whilst recognising the role of the CBI in influencing the two fledgling bodies.
Developing transport priorities for the south west
Our engagement with members over the past six months has given a clear steer as to what priorities members want us to push for in the south west. Improvements to key roads in and out of the region is essential – resilience is the priority, ensuring the region is able to have an effective road network that supports jobs and economic growth.
In addition to this, members have been clear that we must build upon existing regional strengths, including key strategic assets, such as Bristol Airport and ensure that the South West looks to the future and be a leader in delivering new technologies to support the next generation of vehicles on our roads.
Next steps
Over the coming weeks and months, we will continue to consult further with key stakeholders, including the region’s MPs as part of the Great South West All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG).
Our work in this area is ongoing, and should you wish to feed into this, James Sloan would be delighted to hear from you.