BusinessWest: The latest news, events and opportunities in the region and beyond
Devolution is at the top of the national agenda
Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s visits to Bristol and Bath put our region squarely in the national spotlight, showcasing the West of England as it fast-tracks toward 'established' status and greater devolved funding powers. However, while the West of England advances and Cornwall moves toward a single authority, other areas like the Thames Valley stall.
As rightly observed by British Chambers of Commerce Policy Director Kate Shoesmith, the true test for any devolution model will be whether businesses, both inside and outside mayoral authorities, see real progress.
Reshaping local governance
This drive toward streamlined local delivery is already taking physical shape in our region. The confirmation of a new single unitary ‘super council’ for Gloucestershire, merging seven district councils, marks a major structural evolution. Reorganisations of this scale bring both opportunity and responsibility. While simplifying local administration can unlock efficiency, the priority must always be delivering joined-up services, supporting local supply chains, and ensuring business needs remain at the heart of civic decision-making across the county.
Aligning skills with economic demand
I am delighted to share that our latest Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) have now been released. Employer-led at their core, these plans offer a clear roadmap to align training and education directly with real market demand.
Alongside the main LSIPs, we have also published our 2026 Clean Energy Skills Report, covering our LSIP areas – West of England and North Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, and Somerset. The clean energy sector represents an extraordinary economic opportunity for the South West, but its growth hinges on closing critical shortages in technical and trade skills, a gap our report directly addresses.
Global trade and local voice
On the international front, I recently had the pleasure of meeting the Georgian Ambassador to discuss the significant investment and trade potential in Georgia. With a fast developing economy and ranking highly on ease of doing business it provides good opportunities for business looking at international expansion. I also hear it is a wonderful country to visit for vacation, so do put it on your list of places to visit.
Tech and innovation
Helping businesses adopt practical technology through our fully funded Tech Adoption for Growth programme remains a core priority and we're continuing to see tangible impact.
The programme is helping firms make smarter use of data and streamline their operations. Bath-based Wild Flour Cake Company is one business already benefiting.
Founder Jess Langford-Snape used tailored digital advice to improve sales visibility and drive efficiency without increasing overheads.
On the theme of regional enterprise, nine female-led South West businesses have been named winners of the Innovate UK Women in Innovation Awards. Please join us in celebrating their success as they scale their ground-breaking work.
Party conference season
Looking ahead to September, Business West will be heading to the Liberal Democrat and Labour Party Conferences to champion our region’s priorities directly with senior political leaders. Our 2026 fringe programme features key breakfast receptions and panel discussions on housing, skills, regeneration, and devolution.
If you are attending either conference, let us know so we can connect you with our programme and ensure your business voice is heard. A limited number of strategic partnership and sponsorship packages are also available. To attend, collaborate, or explore sponsorship, please contact our policy team.
Q3 Quarterly Economic Survey is now open
Finally, as we plan for the second half of the year, hearing directly from you is vital. Our Q3 Quarterly Economic Survey is now live. By taking a few minutes to share your current trading conditions, challenges, and outlook, you'll help ensure the realities facing businesses across our region are represented ahead of the Government's October Budget.