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LEP’s
The UK has a network of Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) that work together on national shared interests to engage and lead economic growth and job creation within their local areas.
Please note that in view of the changes in Local government & LEP Ecosystem across South West WEAF Will be updating this page in April 2024 when everything is confirmed.
G First
G First LEP is the Local Enterprise Partnership for Gloucestershire, they work to promote economic growth in the county, create jobs and provide real opportunity for businesses in the region.
G First help to develop infrastructure throughout the region, launching organisations like The Growth Hub that offer invaluable business advice and opportunities, with funding opportunities for cutting-edge projects, innovation and change, laying solid foundations for Gloucestershire’s next steps to economic growth.
West of England Combined Authorities
WECA is made up Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire councils and supports the Local Enterprise Partnership, aiming is to deliver economic growth for the region and address key challenges.
Heart of the South West
The Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership cover Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay. They are a business-led partnership between the private sector, local authorities, universities and colleges.
Dorset
Dorset LEP is a private sector-led organisation responsible for speaking on behalf of businesses, championing important issues with government, securing funding and investment for the region and ultimately driving the economic growth of Dorset.
Cornwall & Isles of Scilly
The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership is private sector-led, it is a partnership between the private and public sectors and is driving the economic strategy for the area, determining local priorities and undertaking activities to drive growth and the creation of local jobs.
Swindon & Wiltshire
The SWLEP is the Local Enterprise Partnership for Swindon and Wiltshire, it’s a private sector-led partnership between local businesses, Swindon Borough Council, Wiltshire Council, the military and the education sector. They aim for Swindon and Wiltshire to be renowned for innovation, entrepreneurialism and great quality of life.
Universities and Colleges
Universities and collages offering advanced engineering courses in the South West:
- Bristol University
- University of the West of England
- Exeter University
- Bath University
- Weston college
- Bridgewater & Taunton College
- Yeovil College
- Exeter College
- University of Plymouth
- Southampton University
- Bournemouth University
Chambers of Commerce
Business West
Business West was launched at the start of a decade, a time of digitisation, globalisation and innovation becoming the language of business.
Their purpose is to help businesses of all sizes take advantage of the opportunities and address the problems created by this new world so they may successfully start, grow, export and innovate.
Somerset Chamber of Commerce
Somerset Chamber of Commerce is a membership-based business support organisation which promotes and lobbies for business development in Somerset. They work hard to support local businesses covering all industry sectors from sole-traders to multi-national corporations.
Dorset Chamber of Commerce
Dorset chamber of commerce provide a unique network with a local, regional and nationally recognised voice. Their mission is to support Dorset’s businesses and its economy by promoting excellence, driving growth and providing a voice for business.
Their objectives are to Promote Business Excellence, Support Business Growth, provide a Voice and Help Business Contribute to Society.
Yeovil Chamber of Commerce
Yeovil Chamber is the premier networking and business support group for Yeovil and the wider business community.
People like to do business with people. Yeovil Chamber’s unique model and unrivalled outreach across local government and business sector stakeholders, delivers regular opportunities to meet other like-minded business people; to influence the key decision-makers, and above all, to stay informed and receive vital support for your business – whatever its size and sector.