Stakeholders including Princess Yachts, Cornwall Marine Network, Celtic Sea Power, and PML Applications have gathered at the University of Exeter to explore the priorities for the marine and maritime economy in the southwest region of the UK.

The event was held by Maritime UK South West and Great South West — a ‘powerhouse’ brand developed to promote the areas of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Heart of the South West and Dorset. It aims to deliver £45bn of economic benefit and become the leading region for the green and blue economy.

The southwest economy is currently worth £64.4 billion — almost double the size of Greater Manchester or West Midlands.

During the Great South West event, organisers invited stakeholders to gather to understand how the region can contribute to the government’s key priorities, including increasing inward investment and exports, establishing the country as a science superpower, and transitioning to net zero.

“This event was a fantastic opportunity to really understand the challenges facing our marine and maritime sectors,” says Karl Tucker, chair of the Great South West. “Our region’s long-established history in the sector, and unrivalled marine assets, offer a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the country’s economic and net zero ambitions. We must work with the government to tackle the challenges facing our marine and maritime sectors, and unlock the potential of our blue economy.”

Kevin Forshaw, chair of Maritime UK South West, adds: “The Great South West provides a hugely significant opportunity for the region at a time when the blue and green economies are front and centre of thinking, both nationally and internationally.

“Maritime UK South West are delighted to be able to bring together R&D active businesses with leading academic researchers in our networks, to crystallise the Transformational Economic Opportunities that will enable safe and sustainable exploitation of the ocean economy. This will create wealth in the region, while safeguarding our natural capital and providing global export opportunities for our thought leadership and USPs.”

The Great South West partners have published a local growth prospectus that aims to deliver 190,000 new jobs over the next 15 years.

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