Great South West report posits region as key player in UK’s industrial strategy

The Great South West Partnership has released its report on the region’s high value manufacturing sector and its role in the renewed national industrial strategy.

The report highlights the South West’s potential to drive innovation, support clean energy and contribute to national resilience while creating high-value jobs across multiple key sectors.

It was developed in collaboration with the High Value Manufacturing Catapult – the UK’s research, development, and innovation agency for manufacturing – and more than 60 organisations from across the region.

High value manufacturing is a key pillar in the Great South West’s economic growth strategy, with the sector generating an annual £7.9 billion of gross value added (GVA).

This latest report identifies the South West’s strengths across aerospace, marine, defence, clean energy and food and drink, aligning closely with the government’s focus on clean power, harnessing data and building a resilient economy.

Karl Tucker, chair of the Great South West Partnership, said: “High value manufacturing is a cornerstone of our region’s economy, reflecting our world-class innovation and competitive edge in the global market.

“We have the talent, the infrastructure, and the ambition to support the UK’s industrial strategy, particularly in green energy and defence.

“Now we need the government’s support to ensure that our industries continue to grow and thrive.”

Harry Singer is CEO at Singer Instruments, which specialises in developing mechatronic workstations and laboratory automation robotics.

He added: “As a high-tech manufacturer of laboratory robotics for the global life sciences market, we’ve been happily operating from Somerset since the seventies.

“What our geography adds to our employee value proposition has been one of our superpowers in terms of attracting talent and building culture.

“I like to think we’re a great showcase for innovative companies thriving in a geography that’s commonly only thought of as a holiday destination.”

The report will now serve as a key document for collaboration between businesses, universities, and stakeholders to drive the sector forward.

The Great South West will use the findings to engage with government and investors to unlock new opportunities for the region’s manufacturing capabilities.

Coming soon too is the Great South West Independent Economic Review, which will set out the strategic importance of the region to the future success and security of the UK.