News and Insights
South West Business Council Conference
The South-West’s potential for over £30 billion in inward investment into energy transition projects, such as Floating Offshore Wind, Carbon Capture, Battery Storage, Hydrogen, and Tidal energy, was the focus

Agratas Report – Driving Growth in Somerset and the South West
As Chair of South West Business Council, I was delighted to the attend the Agratas site in Bridgwater, Somerset on 4 September 2025, to participate in a key milestone event,

National Weath Fund Visit Portland, Dorset
On 9 September 2025, Portland Port and Portland Harbour Authority Ltd hosted representatives from the National Wealth Fund (NWF), including David Gwynne, Banking & Investments Director, and Rebecca Jarrett, Director

Key Appointments for Dorset Innovation Park
Dorset Council has announced significant appointments for Dorset Innovation Park Ltd, the company responsible for managing the county’s only Enterprise Zone. The park is set to play a pivotal role

New Chair Of South West Business Council
Claire Pearce has been appointed as the new Chair of the Board at the South West Business Council (SWBC). With over thirty years of experience across public and private sectors,

National Energy System Operator Visits Portland, Dorset
The Dorset Clean Energy Super Cluster (DCESC) took a significant step forward in advancing its five Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) with a visit from the National Energy System Operator

South West Business Responds to Open Letter From Government: Build It In Britain
The British Chambers of Commerce, in collaboration with business leaders from across the South West, has issued a powerful response to the Government’s ‘Build it in Britain’ initiative. This response

Women Of Influence 2025 Reception
On the 13 May 2025, The Planner hosted a reception at the Wellcome Collection, London. The event was held to celebrate The Planner‘s Women of Influence list , a list of women nominated by

Dorset Council Leader Calls for National Backing on clean Energy Vision – May 29th
Dorset is positioning itself as a leader in renewable energy innovation, with ambitious plans to transform the region into a clean energy powerhouse. Cllr Nick Ireland, Leader of Dorset Council,
