Here are a number of commonly asked questions from businesses wishing to invest in South West England.
1. What are the sectoral strengths of South West England?
For detailed information on our South West RDA's key industry sectors, visit our Key Sectors page or download our 'State of the Key Sectors' report by clicking here: http://www.southwestrda.org.uk/downloads/document.asp?lang=&documentid=581&
2. What networks/sector groups are there for my business?
There are a many industry networks in South West England offering support and information on their sector, as well as opportunities for networking and collaborative projects. They are essential for any growing or newly located business in these fields.
Aerospace: West of England Aerospace Forum www.weaf.co.uk
Biotechnology: BioApproaches South West www.bioapproaches.co.uk
Cultural Creative Industries: Culture South West www.culturesouthwest.org.uk
Film, Television And Digital Media: South West Screen www.swscreen.co.uk
Food and Drink: South West Food and Drink www.southwestfoodanddrink.com
ICT: www.wiredwest.co.uk www.ictscout.com www.siliconsouthwest.co.uk
Marine: Marine South West www.marine-south-west.org.uk
Renewable energy: Regen South West www.regensw.co.uk
Tourism: South West Tourism www.swtourism.co.uk
3. Is there grant support or funding for my investment?
For help in attracting finance, Business Link assist through their Investor Readiness programme, more details can be found via www.businesslink.gov.uk.
There are also several competitive funds and support mechanisms in the region to assist business growth. Details of these can be found in our Financial Support page.
4. I am completely unfamiliar with setting up a business in the UK can you help?
For UK-wide information on locating and running a business in the UK, please visit UK Trade & Investment www.ukinvest.gov.uk/busenv/running/index.html, for information on setting up a business in South West England useful information can be found throughout this site. If you need further information then please Contact Us direct.
5. How do I find out about research that might compliment my business?
The region's Sector Groups (see '2. What networks/sector groups are there for my business') have a good knowledge of the region's research activities.
You'll can also visit http://www.southwestrda.org.uk/what-we-do/innovation/innovationinitiative/innovation-initiativ.shtm and, coming soon, www.herda-sw.ac.uk/ for more information on research programmes.
6. Can I speak to someone about the promotion of South West England?
Any questions about the marketing of South West England should be directed to:
Tim Stubbings
Corporate Marketing Manager
South West of England Regional Development Agency
Sterling House
Dix's Field
Exeter
Devon EX1 1QA
United Kingdom.
E-mail: tim.stubbings@southwestrda.org.uk
Telephone: +44 (0) 1392 229 570
If you have a question that doesn't appear above, or need a more detailed answer, then please let us know. Contact Us
