All RDAs across England are closing by March 2012
(see transition and closure section).
With our resources reducing steadily, this page has not been recently updated and the information below may not be current.
If in doubt, please contact us directly.
Bristol's economy in good position
07 October 2009
Bristol is well-placed to recover from the recession, say the
region's leading economists.
Research by economists from the South West RDA and the South
West Observatory shows that although the city has suffered in the
short term because of its dependence on financial services and
specialised engineering, in future these sectors are predicted to
grow.
The research also shows that nearly 10 per cent of the city's
population is self-employed, suggesting a relatively high level of
entrepreneurship.
The report - the South West Regional Economic Profile - has
focused on Bristol, Plymouth and Cornwall to assess the underlying
structure of the economy and to see how those areas have fared
during the downturn. Figures show that Cornwall has so far been
relatively immune to the impact of the recession, but this may also
imply a relative immunity to recovery. Plymouth's labour market was
in a comparatively weak position before the downturn, and the
situation has worsened further within the last year. The
publication indicates that the rise in unemployment across the
South West has still some way to go.
Eleanor Field, senior economist at the South West RDA, said:
"It's been a painful time for Bristol of late, and although the
city is highly productive in certain areas there are still pockets
of deprivation which indicate those benefits are not trickling down
to all parts of the community. But the signs are good for Bristol's
recovery, and before the financial crisis the city had enjoyed a
long period of growth. Our research shows that its strengths in the
longer term should largely outweigh its short-term difficulties,
and it also tells us where bodies like the RDA can most usefully
play a role."
The South
West Regional Economic Profile is published twice a year by the
South West Observatory and the South West RDA.
For more information about the current economic climate in South
West England, please call the press team to arrange an interview
with Eleanor Field.
Ends
Notes to editors
1. The South West RDA leads the development of a sustainable
economy, investing to unlock the region's business potential. It is
helping companies respond to the economic crisis and charts a
course for recovery. The RDA is developing or expanding initiatives
which include: establishing a Business Loan Fund, coordinating the
response to large companies in difficulty and preparing for
economic recovery.
2. The Business and Economy Module of the SW Observatory
provides a dynamic source of economic and business research and
intelligence, with comprehensive data and analysis to support
regional development and evidence based decision making. To improve
the availability of regional data, the Business and Economy Module
has developed a set of Regional Accounts which are freely available
to all.
Contact Details
Name South West RDA press office
Tel 01392 229389