The South West must focus its energies on benefitting from the government’s plans for greater regional devolution and become a powerhouse like the North, says head of Colliers International’s Bristol office, Tim Davies (pictured below).
“The Northern Powerhouse is leading the way in terms of driving a larger regional economy and there has to be an opportunity to do the same in the South West,” he said.
“As a concept, the Southern Powerhouse has been talked about but we need to bring together the cities of Bristol, Bath, Gloucester and Exeter into a more cohesive unit.”
He adds that the centres in question are fiercely protective and rightly proud of their independence and achievements, but thinks that the time has come for a more “concerted and focused approach” if the region is to achieve similar growth levels.
Mr Davies believes that individual cities don’t have the clout necessary to progress in isolation, adding: “Multi-agency and cross border rivalries along with a frustratingly piecemeal approach to planning and development have and will hamper the South West’s ability to take advantage of the current strength of the UK economy and boost the region’s business prospects.”
He concluded: “We have to think ‘big’ in order to attract both national and international investment to our region. Combined authorities will help to look at opportunities on a much bigger scale.”
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