Senior business leaders, investors, foreign trade missions and government officials gathered on Tuesday, March 18 to discuss projects aimed at boosting economic growth across the UK.
These ventures are expected to enhance global supply chains and reinforce the region’s role in the UK’s net-zero transition, economic growth and national security.
The Great South West Partnership hosted the event to launch the 2025 Great South West Investment Brochure.
This document profiles several transformational, investor-ready projects in the area.
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The South West, with its extensive global market connections and strategic partnerships with countries including Australia, Canada, the USA and Belgium, presents a unique opportunity for international investors.
Among the highlighted projects were:
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The Plymouth and South Devon Freeport, a significant hub for marine, defence, advanced manufacturing and net zero technologies.
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Plans for the first three floating offshore wind farms in the Celtic Sea, expected to generate up to 4.5GW of electricity and power more than four million homes.
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The South West’s critical mineral deposits, including lithium, tin, tungsten and copper, which are essential for battery production and advanced technologies.
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The Dorset Clean Energy Super Cluster, which will drive net zero innovation with investments in hydrogen, nuclear and FLOW.
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Goonhilly Earth Station, a 6.7-acre development zone suitable for investment in space technology, satellite operations and data centres.
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The West Somerset Tidal Lagoon, a renewable energy project expected to power up to two million homes.
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ASONE Park, a prospective hub for film, broadcast, and digital innovation, expected to create more than 1,000 jobs.
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The event featured speeches from several key figures, including Mel Stride, Shadow Chancellor, and Jessica Toale MP, Parliamentary Private Secretary to the FCDO.
They highlighted the South West’s critical role in the UK’s economic growth and industrial strategy.
Tim Jones, chair of the Great South West Internationalisation Board, said: “The launch of our Investment Brochure and the projects showcased today are prime examples of our ability to design and deliver the critical infrastructure, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and defence innovation the UK economy needs to grow and compete globally.”
“The government has recognised the unique strengths of our region.
“Now is the time for existing and potential investors to capitalise upon this glittering opportunity, to partner with us in shaping the industries of the future.”
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Mel Stride, shadow chancellor, said: “The Great South West is delivering the kind of innovation, investment and large-scale projects that are essential for our economic growth, energy security, and achieving our climate goals.”
Dave Tansley, practice senior partner for South West and Wales at Deloitte, the event partner, said: “The South West’s ambition, innovation and proven ability to deliver nationally significant projects make it a critical driver of the UK’s future economic growth.”
The Great South West Partnership plans to present these world-class investment opportunities at the UK’s Real Estate, Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in May.
They hope to engage with investors and global partners to secure transformational investment.
The 2025 Great South West Investment Brochure is now available for download from the Great South West website.
