The Great South West Partnership has released a report highlighting the potential of the region’s high-value manufacturing sector, positioning it as crucial to the UK’s evolving industrial strategy.

The report, created with support from the High Value Manufacturing Catapult and over 60 organisations, outlines the South West’s strengths across key sectors such as aerospace, marine, defence, clean energy, and food and drink.

It shows how the region could drive national resilience, support innovation, and create high-value jobs while contributing to the government’s focus on clean energy and a resilient economy.

The manufacturing sector in the South West contributes £7.9 billion annually to the region’s Gross Value Added (GVA). This makes it a critical part of the region’s economic growth strategy, with strong prospects for future development in defence and energy.

Karl Tucker, Chair of the Great South West Partnership, emphasised the importance of this sector: “High value manufacturing is a cornerstone of our region’s economy, reflecting our world-class innovation and competitive edge in the global market.

“We have the talent, the infrastructure, and the ambition to support the UK’s Industrial Strategy, particularly in green energy and defence. Now we need the Government’s support to ensure that our industries continue to grow and thrive.”

Katherine Bennett, CEO of High Value Manufacturing Catapult, said: “This report highlights the transformative potential of advanced manufacturing in the Great South West.

“The insights it provides are critical to understanding how we can accelerate the commercialisation of innovations, strengthen the UK’s manufacturing base, and unlock opportunities for high-value jobs and prosperous communities.”

The report will now be used as a key document to encourage collaboration between businesses, universities, and government to push the sector forward.

Alun Reece, Managing Director at Loop Technology, based in Dorset, added: “The region is often viewed simply as a tourist destination, and our capabilities in advanced manufacturing are overlooked.

“The work the Great South West Partnership is doing to provide a cohesive regional voice is fundamental in informing the Government of the untapped potential here.”

This report was released alongside the launch of the Great South West Independent Economic Review (IER), which outlines a plan for investment and growth in the region.

Due to be published in full in October 2024, the IER will provide a roadmap to help the region become a driving force in the UK economy, with a focus on clean energy and economic security.

Download the High Value Manufacturing Report: https://greatsouthwest.co.uk/insights

Download the Independent Economic Review summary: https://greatsouthwest.co.uk/independent-economic-review-2024/