Business
The South West of England’s economy is shaped by a mix of high-productivity hubs and a broader landscape dominated by small and medium-sized enterprises in sectors like hospitality, agriculture, tourism and diverse public services. These industries typically generate lower value-added output, especially in underserved areas where access to capital, skills, and innovation is limited. Investment and innovation tend to be concentrated in urban centres like Bath and Bristol. This centralisation, combined with the region’s rural geography and connectivity challenges, contributes to uneven development and limited innovation capacity.
Efforts to reach net zero by 2030 are underway, but the region faces unique challenges due to its geography and a growing population, which increases pressure on housing and transport infrastructure. Housing affordability is a major issue, with demand outpacing supply, especially in areas where land is protected for environmental reasons.
