A new report from the Great South West Partnership has revealed the region's position as a key player in the UK's Industrial Strategy.

Developed in collaboration with the High Value Manufacturing Catapult and more than 60 organisations, the report highlights the South West's potential to drive innovation, support clean energy, and create high-value jobs across multiple sectors.

With the manufacturing sector generating £7.9 billion of Gross Value Added (GVA) annually, the South West is a growing powerhouse in manufacturing.

The report identifies the South West's strengths across aerospace, marine, defence, clean energy, and food and drink, aligning closely with the government's focus on clean power, harnessing data, and building a resilient economy.

The region's strengths in these industries are essential to the UK's future economic resilience and security, the report says.

Karl Tucker, chairman of the Great South West Partnership, said: "High value manufacturing is a cornerstone of our region’s economy, reflecting our world-class innovation and competitive edge in the global market.

"We have the talent, the infrastructure, and the ambition to support the UK’s Industrial Strategy, particularly in green energy and defence.

"Now we need the Government’s support to ensure that our industries continue to grow and thrive."

Katherine Bennett CBE, CEO of High Value Manufacturing Catapult, added: "This report highlights the transformative potential of advanced manufacturing in the Great South West.

"The insights it provides are critical to understanding how we can accelerate the commercialisation of innovations, strengthen the UK’s manufacturing base, and unlock opportunities for high-value jobs and prosperous communities."

Karen Friendship, managing director at Alderman Tooling, said: "The Great South West demonstrates a breadth of ability, ambition and supply chains supporting advanced manufacturing sectors that would be the envy of any other region.

"We need Government to recognise our talents, from the depths of Cornwall to the Somerset and Dorset borders, and invest in us to achieve the economic growth we all desire."

The report is expected to serve as a key document for collaboration between businesses, universities, and stakeholders to drive the sector forward.

The Great South West Partnership will use the findings to engage with government and investors to unlock new opportunities for the region’s manufacturing capabilities.

The report coincides with the launch of the Great South West Independent Economic Review (IER), a blueprint for driving investment and growth across the South West.

The IER, set to be published in full in October 2024, sets out the strategic importance of the region to the future success and security of the UK.

The proposed roadmap aims to support the achievement of the government’s missions for economic growth and clean energy, unlock vital national and international investment at scale, secure UK leadership in key global markets, and accelerate the delivery of high-value, well-paid jobs accessible to all communities.