ABOUT SOUTH WEST ENGLAND

• ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING ECONOMIES IN THE UK
• A FLEXIBLE AND EDUCATED WORKFORCE
• A SPIRIT OF INNOVATION
• LOWER COSTS OF DOING BUSINESS
• THE PERFECT LOCATION FOR PUBLIC SECTOR ORGANISATIONS
• UNRIVALLED QUALITY OF LIFE
• EXCELLENT TRANSPORT LINKS
• MAKING THE RIGHT CONNNECTIONS
• EVERYONE'S FAVOURITE DESTINATION

ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING ECONOMIES IN THE UK

South West England is one of the fastest growing economies in the UK with an extra 56,000 jobs expected to be created over the next five years in both the public and private sectors. Such growth provides excellent opportunities, not only for departments and agencies, but also for the families of employees who relocate to the South West.

A FLEXIBLE AND EDUCATED WORKFORCE

Hand in hand with this growth comes a flexible and highly qualified workforce. 27% of residents in the region - one of the highest proportions in the UK - are qualified to degree level or above. Many of these people will have gained their qualifications at the region's eight highly respected universities and six colleges of higher education, which have further helped ensure that South West England has an advantageous pool of graduate-level employees.  
 
In addition, 82% of the working age population in the region are currently in, or are available for, employment - the highest percentage in the country. It's little surprise therefore that meeting the requirements of a variety of different industries and organisations is no problem for South West England.

A SPIRIT OF INNOVATION

The region can also be rightly proud of its long history of innovation and progressive thinking. From the invention of the computer to the development of Concorde, South West England has a long tradition of creativity and entrepreneurial achievement - a spirit and attitude which continues today with the region being the epicentre of Europe's semiconductor industry and having one of the best survival rates among small businesses in the UK.

LOWER COSTS OF DOING BUSINESS

Businesses can also take advantage of large cost savings thanks to a range of high quality sites and premises available at rents significantly lower than those of London and the South East. From a simple office building to a site capable of accommodating 6,000 employees, South West England provides a relocation solution for every type of organisation.

THE PERFECT LOCATION FOR PUBLIC SECTOR ORGANISATIONS

But don't just take our word for it. South West England already plays host to a large number of well-established government agencies and departments, demonstrating a proven track record when it comes to public sector relocation. A number of bodies have a particularly strong presence including the Ministry of Defence, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), The Planning Inspectorate, the UK Hydrographic Office and Government Communication Headquarters (GCHQ). 
 
The recent decisions by the Met Office and the National Trust to relocate to Exeter and Swindon respectively are further examples of the economic advantages the region has to offer. 
 
It is no surprise these two centres have been singled out by high-profile organisations as they are amongst seven key locations - along with Bristol, Gloucester/Cheltenham, Bournemouth/Dorset/Poole, Taunton and Plymouth - which have been pinpointed as ideal places for public sector organisations to set down roots. In addition, South West England, with its large, varied range of sites and premises, is also in a strong position to accommodate specific functional requirements (such as administrative support, data management and contact centres).  

UNRIVALLED QUALITY OF LIFE

The excellent quality of life, a beautiful environment - with over 1000 kilometres of coastline and over a third of the region designated as National Park or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - and the attractive prospect of lower house prices are also proving to be a persuasive draw to the region.  
 
The region's seven counties are consistently ranked amongst the best places to live in the UK and the fact that the region's population grew by 12.5% between 1981 and 2001 - the fastest increase in the UK and almost entirely due to inward migration - suggests that the area's popularity shows no signs of waning.

EXCELLENT TRANSPORT LINKS

Despite being home to some of the most unspoilt parts of the UK, South West England scores highly for its extensive transport infrastructure. The region has rapid road and rail networks with London and the rest of the country as well as impressive airport provision. Bristol, Exeter, Newquay, Plymouth and Bournemouth airports run a range of frequent services to London and other UK and European destinations. 
 
Good access to the rest of the UK and the world have made South West England a top choice for public sector organisations, as well as over 1,500 overseas-owned businesses which have chosen to relocate here.

MAKING THE RIGHT CONNNECTIONS

The region can also be proud of its excellent broadband internet communications, with more fibre-optic cable than any other part or the UK. This level of connectivity allows departments and agencies to effectively integrate their operations in South West England with other sites across the country. Facilities such as video-conferencing enable successful virtual team working at any distance, and without the need for travel.

EVERYONE'S FAVOURITE DESTINATION

South West England is the UK's favourite visitor location - not only for its natural environment but also for its wide range of cultural events and exciting things to do. With more monuments, museums and historic houses than any region in the country, iconic restaurants with top-class chefs, and world-renowned events such as the Glastonbury music festival and Cheltenham races, there is never time to be bored. All this and more whilst enjoying the mildest climate in the UK. 
 

 
As you can see, it's a pleasure doing business in South West England.