SWRDA covers the counties of Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Dorset. The Chief Executive of SWRDA is Jane Henderson and Juliet Williams is the Chair.

The South West is a relatively productive and wealthy region with an economy of £80bn and an attractive environment. Yet there are some persistent pockets of disadvantage.

The region is characterised by a largely rural landscape, a long coastline, relatively few major cities and many small settlements. 35% of the population live in rural areas in towns and villages of fewer than 10,000 people. Although 80% of the land is classified as agricultural land, farming only accounts for 2% of output and 3% of employment. The major cities are the engines of the regional economy but the rural nature of much of the region remains a dominant feature.

With around 170,000 small and medium businesses, 81% of jobs are in the service sector including tourism, retail and public sector. In 2001, the region attracted around 26m visitors spending an estimated £9bn and employing 4% of the workforce.

In recent years, South West England has performed relatively well within a UK economy that, in turn, has improved its comparative position. In terms of productivity, the region could perform better. In 2003, output per head remained 7% below the UK average. South West England has performed well in terms of real growth and employment, with the lowest unemployment rates amongst the UK regions.

The South West RDA leads the development of a sustainable economy, investing to unlock the region’s business potential. The South West’s Regional Economic Strategy (RES) articulates an aspiration to pursue ‘economic growth within environmental limits’. The RDA supports this agenda by leading the development of a sustainable economy in the south west, investing to unlock the region’s business potential.

Through strategic investments, influence and leverage, the RDA focuses on three key priorities:

• Boosting economic growth through increasing productivity;
• Investing in places to help them fulfil their potential, promote cohesive communities and widen participation in the economy and;
• Encouraging development within environmental limits while preparing the region for a low carbon future.

Further Information

• South West of England Economic Strategy
• SWRDA Annual Review
• SWRDA Independent Performance Assessment
• SWRDA Corporate Plan
• Case Studies
• SWRDA Board Composition