Why I think the South West has so much to smile about this year!

What ISN’T there to smile about in the South West?  We are so lucky with spectacular countryside, miles of coastline, a laid back lifestyle and – of course – cider (there is always need for cider)!

I am always amazed (though, on reflection, I am not sure why) just how many “blow ins” I meet when networking at SW events.  So many people have made the positive choice to leave the rat race (whether it be London, Birmingham or even one or two from Stateside – watch out our American associates at Peppercom ) and opt to work in one of the world’s most beautiful corners.

There might not be the cut and thrust of the big city, but where we lack bright lights we make up for it in inspiring views, wide open spaces and a fantastic support network.

Even in the midst of (and let’s say it quickly) ‘a recession,’ we find a lot to smile about and look forward to here in the west country, which makes me very glad that we have a SW office.

Here are my favourites:

• We are ahead of the game when it comes to enterprise, entrepreneurship and start-up businesses, and there is a fantastic support network across the region to make these businesses shine – and in a year where more cuts loom nationwide this can only be  a good thing.
• The SW will have its own slice of the Olympics at the new sailing academy in Weymouth.  This is fantastic news for businesses in Dorset and a chance to showcase this beautiful corner of the South West.
• As domestic tourism continues its upward trend, the SW is well positioned to continue reaping the rewards from short breakers to two week stays and everything in between. It is not without reason that Devon and Cornwall, in particular, remain the most popular holiday destinations in the UK.
• The knock on effect of two Enterprise Zones in the SW (Bristol and Newquay) can only bring more focus and attention on doing business in the SW, and what I hope is a continuing decentralisation of business.
• Further roll out of Superfast broadband across the region will encourage more home working, office hubs and freelancers.  For those of us working in the creative industries this is indeed good news as so much creative talent comes from this region.
• Finally, as a lover of Dartmoor, the release of Stephen Speilberg’s War Horse just this month (13^th Jan), which was written by a local and filmed on Dartmoor itself, will not only be a visual feast but also a fantastic spotlight on one of the UK’s true beauty spots.

We would love to hear from you, whether you are from the South West or North East, about what makes you smile about your region.   Why not contact us in our London office, or for more information on the services that Flagship SW runs and to discuss how PR can help you in the region please contact Sophy Norris, Regional Director: sophy.norris@flagshipconsulting.co.uk