Business
Despite its high-productivity hubs, a key challenge to developing a thriving South West is the lack of effective transport links. The region’s inadequate physical infrastructure means that capitalising on the potential for spillovers for local businesses may be difficult. Only one city-region currently has a mayoral combined authority with devolution powers – the West of England Combined Authority – which governs 982,000 people and oversees an economy valued at over £39.4 billion. However, this leaves 83% of the region’s population and 78% of its economy without a devolution settlement.
