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Great South West Partnership announces return of conference
The Great South West Partnership has announced the return of its flagship Annual Conference, the region's leading business event.
The conference will take place on Friday, October 17, at Sandy Park, Exeter.
This year's theme, 'Leading the delivery of the UK's Industrial Strategy', follows the announcement of the UK's new Industrial Strategy.
It positions the south west as an industrial powerhouse, crucial to the government's economic growth plans.
The region is known for its clean energy, defence, advanced manufacturing, agri-tech and innovation sectors.
It is set to play a key part in national renewal, attracting investment and creating new, well-paid jobs.
Last year's sold-out event drew together more than 500 senior leaders, including ministers, investors and business bosses.
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Panel discussion at the Great South West Pavilion at UKREiiF 2024. (Image: Great South West) The 2025 conference aims to build on this success, aligning with the UK's Industrial Strategy and examining how the south west is turning policy into productivity and investment.
Tickets for the event are free and can be booked via
Karl Tucker, chair of the Great South West Partnership, said: "The new Industrial Strategy sets out a bold vision for the UK, and this conference will show how the Great South West is already the leader in many of the government's ambitions.
"With world-class capabilities in clean energy, defence, digital, agritech and advanced manufacturing, this region is a blueprint for industrial delivery.
"We're looking forward to hosting leaders from across the country to showcase how the Great South West can help drive national growth, resilience and innovation, in what is set to be the most important convening of regional and national leaders outside London this year."
This year's programme includes a keynote speech from a government minister, alongside discussions with the region's MPs, national economic and business experts, and regional leaders on the state of the UK economy and the South West's strategic role.
