A bid for the South West to become the 'UK natural powerhouse' has been formally recognised by the Government.
The Great South West initiative which arose from a campaign kickstarted by the Western Morning News and Pennon Group, has been namechecked in the Levelling Up White Paper, published on Wednesday.
It is a major milestone for the initiative launched with the backing of MPs, business leaders and LEPS almost six years ago.
It has been a long road for the Great South West Partnership which despite getting 'warm words' from Government had become frustrated at the lack of action.
Now, it is hoped that this new recognition will open the door to fresh impetus for the region's plan to develop its £45billion blue and green economy.
But crucially, the White Paper makes no mention of the £2million the partnership asked for to help it further its ambitions.
Karl Tucker, managing director of Yeo Valley who is chairman of Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership and a key figure on the Great South West Partnership said that the Government's recognition of the region's potential is a positive step.
He said: "It opens the door for us to have discussions with them about the possibility of funding to help Great South West deliver on its five priorities."
"We will continue to work with the various stakeholders in the Great South West to make this a positive step forward and have a significant impact on the economy in our area."
The Great South West Partnership first set out its business plan to become the ‘UK’s Natural Powerhouse' in its Securing the Future prospectus, that was presented to 10 Downing Street in 2019.
It sets out five priorities - Improving rural productivity, increased trade and investment, support marine and maritime, support for tourism and becoming a green energy power house.
Now, the Levelling Up report states that it is engaging with, and supporting, a wide range private sector initiatives across the UK.
It is creating new Levelling Up Directors to support the development these initiatives.
The Great South West is one of 16 projects name checked in the paper and just one of two in the South of England- the other is Maritime UK Solent in South East England.
In separate plans, Cornwall, Devon, Plymouth and Torbay will be among nine areas to be the first to negotiate new 'County Deals' in a bid to close the gap between the richest and poorest areas of the UK.
But business leaders have criticised the lack of cash for the region with big questions yet to be answered on how any new structure would work.
Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove's 12 point priorities for levelling up will mean good news for education in the South West. Jonathan Riley, practice leader for Grant Thornton UK LLP in the South West, said he was excited to see the White Paper outlining plans to increase domestic public investment in the region.
It also identifies Cornwall, Dorset and North Somerset as among England’s 55 Education Investment Areas, meaning that teachers and schools will be offered additional support to help improve education outcomes.
He said: "It is too early to determine whether the measures announced today will be sufficient, but it is a start. Success will ultimately depend on the ability and willingness of local and national government to translate these new frameworks into meaningful change in people’s lives.
“The Spending Review offers the next opportunity for the Government to show its commitment by realigning departmental objectives behind these new goals.”
Ian Brokenshire, senior partner for KPMG in the South West, said there is much for South West businesses to welcome.
He said: "Skills and innovation are the heartbeat of business growth so announcements on skills and driving R&D spend in the regions should support the efforts of our entrepreneurs and business leaders to create more opportunities and prosperity.
“Turbo charging devolution – the engine of levelling up – is a huge boost, offering businesses a seat at the policymaking tables in the places in which they invest."
