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

South West Elections Set Stage for Change

In early May, ballot papers shaped the political landscape of the South West as voters cast their ballots. From Wiltshire to Cornwall, five local government elections unfolded, with Reform UK gaining traction and securing 66 councillors across the region. Labour,...

Announcement of new Hybrid-Electric VTOL programme

Vertical recently announced our hybrid-electric VX4 VTOL program — a new variant of our aircraft designed for missions that demand more range, payload, and resilience. Built on our all-electric VX4 and powered by Vertical’s world-class battery technology, the hybrid...

‘Engineer Your Future’ WEBINAR: Book Your Spot Today

Are you an SME in the engineering sector looking to grow your team with fresh talent?  Through the recent WEAF cluster meetings, workplace recruitment and retention has been a hot topic and employment of the right people is a common challenge among the WEAF...

Defence Innovation Loans open to UK SMEs

Original article published here: Defence Innovation Loans open to UK SMEs - ADS Advance  The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) supported by Innovate UK Loans Ltd (Innovate UK) are working together to offer Defence Innovation Loans aimed at SMEs.  This service...