Cherilyn Mackrory, MP for Truro and Falmouth, has welcomed news the Government has committed £1.5 million in core funding over the next three years to the Great South West and its activities.
The Great South West is a collection of business leaders, Local Enterprise Partnerships, universities, colleges and the local Government who have joined to promote the economic prosperity of the LEP areas of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Heart of the South West and Dorset.
The funding will help the Great South West deliver on its main priorities, including improving rural productivity, increasing trade and investment, driving forward the marine and maritime economy, supporting the tourism industry and creating a green energy powerhouse.
Cherilyn said:
“This new funding – in addition to the record levels of investment Cornwall has received under this Government- is brilliant news for our region.
With a population of over 3 million and an economy of £64 billion, our region has huge potential as an economic powerhouse, but is constrained by low productivity and a lack of social mobility.
This £1.5million cash injection is another step forward to tackling these issues and will improve local skills, jobs, and productivity, boosting key markets in Truro and Falmouth such as the maritime industry.
I was delighted to support this bid, and my congratulations go to all those involved. I look forward to working with the Government and meeting with organisations locally to ensure we target this funding to where Cornwall needs it most”.
Commenting, Chair of the GSW APPG Simon Jupp said:
“This announcement recognises the incredible diversity of talent, skills and businesses across Devon, Dorset, Somerset and Cornwall.
First and foremost, credit must go to the former Chair of the Great South West APPG, Sir Gary Streeter MP. Gary’s tireless campaigning for our region undoubtedly helped make this happen. This crucial funding builds on the Government’s recognition of the Great South West in the Levelling Up White Paper.
We now have the opportunity to kick-start our plans to bring new jobs and investment across our region.”