View from the South West

The importance of social and digital media continues to dominate the business world, with The South West recognised as a region with a vibrant Creative Industries sector.

The announcement in November 2010 that the New Creative Industries iNet (Innovation Network) will bring £3.2 million of support to the South West’s creative sector until 2013, to help creative businesses thrive and advance the area’s growing reputation as a global creative centre of excellence, has provided a boost to the region. But what is really driving forward growth is the South West’s unerring sprit of entrepreneurialism.

And this starts at the very heart of our learning.  Just last week Exeter University was named as one of the top 25 fastest growing companies in the UK and among the 100 fastest in Europe.  Yes, you read that right, companies, NOT universities.

This story comes after several months of tough trading conditions in the region, and sweeping public sector cuts in an area reliant on public sector jobs.  We hear again and again that the private sector must pick up the slack.  However, with businesses like Rok and Polestar, which operate nationwide, going out of business, is this even possible?

What we in the South West demonstrate, and what Exeter University so beautifully exemplifies, is that enterprise will win out.

We are a region of entrepreneurs and small businesses.  We are not afraid of a challenge or going against type.  It is no coincidence that Sir James Dyson, Nick Park and Tim Smit all started their world famous businesses here.

We are inspired by where we live and unfettered by convention. Also, we are a highly, and successfully, networked part of the world.  Whether we converse at events, face to face or online, talking, and listening, to each other is really what it is all about.  Out of these conversations, comes creativity, connections and enterprise.  I recently blogged about this on our new website, please do check it out.

Now is the time for the South West to be strong and shout loud, to share our skill of connecting and conversing with a larger world.

This is my view from the South West, I would love to hear yours.