Local Government

PROVIDING VITAL SERVICES FOR PEOPLE AND BUSINESSES

Local government is responsible for a range of vital services for people and businesses in defined areas. Among them are well known functions such as social care, schools, housing and planning and waste collection, but also lesser known ones such as licensing, business support, registrar services and pest control.

Councils have a key role in driving economic recovery. We continue to press the Government to deliver real devolution of economic powers and funding to councils.

Local Gov

Growth Hubs

If you are looking for business support or guidance, your local Growth Hub is there to help you.

The network of 38 Growth Hubs are local public/private sector partnerships led by the Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs). They join up national and local business support, so it is easy for businesses to find the help they need.

Both the Gov website and the Business Support Helpline (0800 998 1098) also offer advice about starting up a business and can direct business to more support.

South West Growth Hubs

LEP Area Website Link
Gloucestershire GFirst
Swindon & Wiltshire Swindon and Wiltshire
West of England West of England
Somerset County Council Somerset County Council
Heart of the South West Heart of the South West
Dorset Dorset
Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Cornwall and Isles of Scilly

Resources

News and Posts

Growth Sector Series: Skills Overview in the South West

The skills shortage challenge facing the aerospace and advanced manufacturing sectors is ubiquitous throughout the UK, Europe, and the US. The Covid-19 pandemic catalysed an era of early retirements. When this is combined with ongoing retention challenges and...

Growth Sector Series: Defence Overview in the South West

The South West region is home to the UK’s largest aerospace cluster, featuring an extensive range of industries, capabilities, facilities and skills, and remains the second largest in Europe.   Invest Bristol + Bath highlights that the aerospace and advanced...

ATI Hub – Upcoming Events

The ATI Hub is a space for innovators to connect, access expertise and collaborate. The ATI Hub offers remote and in-person events plus access to online resources. You can connect with organisations and build knowledge. Download the upcoming events here: ATI Hub...

Gala Dinner Charity: The Water Lily Project  

The Water Lily Project   The headline sponsor of WEAF’s Annual Gala Dinner & Awards 2024, Beagle Aircraft, has chosen to support the Water Lily Project – a percentage of ticket sales will be donated to this worthy charity.   The Water Lily Project is a Christian...