The South West region includes the English counties of Gloucestershire, Dorset, Wiltshire, Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Not only is establishing and running a business in the South West a breath of fresh air, living there feels great too, as a glance through the facts of living in the South West will tell you. 
 
The facts 
The weather:  
The South West enjoys a temperate climate with mild winters, warm summers and clean air. 

Education:  
Excellent opportunities at primary, secondary and tertiary levels in all areas of the South West The majority of 16 and 17 year olds in the region remain in full-time education, making the South West consistently one of the best performing regions in terms of staying-on rates. 
 
Healthcare:  
Overall the South West is generally healthy, with the highest life expectancy in England for women and equal highest for men. Healthcare provision - primary care trusts, social care and mental health services, hospitals - in all areas is good. 
 
Average house prices:  
At the end of June 2004 the average property price in the SW region was £192,000, making the house price to average income ratio 4.7:1. 
 
Average commuting time: 
The average commuting time in the South West is 22 minutes, compared with an average of 55 minutes for central London. 
 
The daily commute presents no problems for Ecotricity founder Dale Vince, find out more about his take on the benefits to him and his business of living in the South West.