• Swindon & Wiltshire Economy
• Monday August 4 2025

Wiltshire joins economic growth driver Great South West

Wiltshire has joined the Great South West, a business-led partnership charged with accelerating economic growth in the region.

Cllr Ian Thorn, leader of Wiltshire Council following May’s council elections, will be joining the Partnership board alongside the leaders of Somerset, Dorset, Devon, and Cornwall.

“I’m delighted that Wiltshire Council is now part of the Great South West,” said Cllr Thorn.

“The pan-regional approach offers significant opportunities for Wiltshire, particularly in attracting investment and driving sustainable growth.

“Our involvement also reinforces our commitment to devolution, as we continue to work collaboratively with councils across the Wessex area to secure a devolution deal and establish a Mayoral Strategic Authority.

“The partnership’s priorities closely align with those identified for both Wiltshire and Wessex. We’ve already worked together on key initiatives in defence and Agri-Tech, and I’m pleased to see this relationship continue to grow.

“Joining the Great South West demonstrates our clear intent to strengthen regional cooperation and highlights our dedication to the Wessex area.”

Cllr Julian Brazil, leader of Devon County Council, and Cllr Leigh Frost, leader of Cornwall Council, have also formally taken their seats on the Partnership Board since being elected in May.

Their appointments, alongside other council leaders on the Board from Plymouth, Torbay, Somerset, Dorset and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, reinforce the strong commitment of local authorities to work closely with business and civic leaders to advance the priorities of the Great South West.

Karl Tucker, chair of the Great South West Partnership, said: “This is a transformative moment for the Great South West Partnership.

“By welcoming Wiltshire and appointing dynamic leaders from Devon, Cornwall and the region’s business community, we have reinforced our collective capacity to drive sustainable growth, innovation and investment right across the South West.

“This deep collaboration is a real statement about the strong leadership which the Great South West Partnership brings to the region, and ensures we continue to speak with one powerful voice on the national stage when engaging with Government. With an enhanced Partnership Board, we will champion the Great South West, making the case for securing critical investment and delivering economic  growth, as the UK’s region for national security.”

Stakeholders, policymakers and business leaders are invited to join the Great South West Annual Conference, ‘Leading the Delivery of the Industrial Strategy’ in Exeter in October.

The flagship event will feature keynote addresses from Government representatives, and discussions with regional MPs, national economic and business experts, and regional leaders on the state of the UK economy and the South West’s strategic role.

Wiltshire has joined the Great South West, a business-led partnership charged with accelerating economic growth in the region.

Cllr Ian Thorn, leader of Wiltshire Council following May’s council elections, will be joining the Partnership board alongside the leaders of Somerset, Dorest, Devon, and Cornwall.

“I’m delighted that Wiltshire Council is now part of the Great South West,” said Cllr Thorn.

“The pan-regional approach offers significant opportunities for Wiltshire, particularly in attracting investment and driving sustainable growth.

“Our involvement also reinforces our commitment to devolution, as we continue to work collaboratively with councils across the Wessex area to secure a devolution deal and establish a Mayoral Strategic Authority.

“The partnership’s priorities closely align with those identified for both Wiltshire and Wessex. We’ve already worked together on key initiatives in defence and Agri-Tech, and I’m pleased to see this relationship continue to grow.

“Joining the Great South West demonstrates our clear intent to strengthen regional cooperation and highlights our dedication to the Wessex area.”

Cllr Julian Brazil, leader of Devon County Council, and Cllr Leigh Frost, leader of Cornwall Council, have also formally taken their seats on the Partnership Board since being elected in May.

Their appointments, alongside other council leaders on the Board from Plymouth, Torbay, Somerset, Dorset and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, reinforce the strong commitment of local authorities to work closely with business and civic leaders to advance the priorities of the Great South West.

Karl Tucker, chair of the Great South West Partnership, said: “This is a transformative moment for the Great South West Partnership.

“By welcoming Wiltshire and appointing dynamic leaders from Devon, Cornwall and the region’s business community, we have reinforced our collective capacity to drive sustainable growth, innovation and investment right across the South West.

“This deep collaboration is a real statement about the strong leadership which the Great South West Partnership brings to the region, and ensures we continue to speak with one powerful voice on the national stage when engaging with Government. With an enhanced Partnership Board, we will champion the Great South West, making the case for securing critical investment and delivering economic growth, as the UK’s region for national security.”

Stakeholders, policymakers and business leaders are invited to join the Great South West Annual Conference, ‘Leading the Delivery of the Industrial Strategy’ in Exeter in October.

The flagship event will feature keynote addresses from Government representatives, and discussions with regional MPs, national economic and business experts, and regional leaders on the state of the UK economy and the South West’s strategic role.