Devon Delivers showcase to Vince Cable and Maria Miller at Westminster
Some of Devon’s most innovative companies joined forces at Westminster on Monday to showcase the county’s fast-growing reputation as a centre for creative and digital business.
The event was organised by Devon County Council, as part of its Devon Delivers inward investment campaign, which promotes the county as an ideal place to relocate and also helps existing businesses in the area wishing to expand.
Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills Dr Vince Cable; Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Maria Miller and Life Peer Baroness Jolly alongside MPs from across the region, heard first-hand from businesses how Devon has the right ingredients for creative and digital companies to thrive.
The Westminster event aimed to encourage MPs and Ministers as well as other guests, to support Devon’s ambitions and enable them to act as Ambassadors for the county, encouraging creative and digital companies to make Devon the location of choice from which to take their business forward.
Devon has one of the fastest growing economies within the UK and the rapidly growing digital and creative sectors contribute over £20 billion annually to the South West economy.
Some of Devon’s most successful companies took part in the event, representatives from blur Group, Cosmic, e-Strategy, Greenland Studio, Pangaea TV, Plymouth Software, RH Partners, Rokk Media, The Company and Twofour Group all emphasised the extensive business and lifestyle benefits of being based in the County.
In his welcome speech, Cllr Andrew Leadbetter Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth at Devon County Council talked about the vitality of the creative and digital sector, its highly skilled workforce and how the Devon Deliver’s showcase demonstrated the county’s creative, innovative and entrepreneurial spirit.
He said: “The wealth of knowledge intensive industries and the work of our world class Universities ensure that Devon’s economy continues to grow. Our county offers a unique location, very accessible to London and with our stunning environment, an excellent balance between work and lifestyle.
“This event shows the high calibre of our digital sector and demonstrates exactly why Exeter is the right location for the Met Office Super Computer. Bringing it to Devon would create a unique opportunity for the region and ensure the continued growth of our environmental technology sector.
“One of the key elements to a successful economy is connectivity. Earlier this year, we welcomed the government announcement of an extra £22.75m funding for superfast broadband. However, we know that the requirement for match funding will be a challenge for us. So we are asking the Government for flexibility, particularly at a time when we need strong investment in our resilience.”
Lesley Crocker, Senior Communications Manager for Twofour Digital, who attended the event, said: “Here at Twofour, we are proud of our South West heritage. Not only is Devon home to a wealth of creative talent, but it is a stunning and inspiring place to do business. We were delighted to attend the Devon Delivers event to demonstrate how South West companies are making their mark in the national and international marketplace.”
As well as the businesses showcasing at the event, representatives from the Heart of the South West LEP, Met Office, University of Plymouth, Exeter Science Park, BT and UKTI were also present.
Devon County Council is continuing to work hard with UKTI and other partners to secure inward investment for the county. The showcase was part of the overall programme to target successes not only in the digital and creative sector, but also in Devon’s key sectors of marine, energy and advanced engineering. Partners at the event highlighted key infrastructure requirements needed to ensure businesses such as those attending are able to reach their full potential.
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Notes to editors
For enquiries about Devon Delivers, please contact Coast Communications on 01752 847135 or email becky@coastmarcoms.co.uk
About Devon Delivers
Devon Delivers is a programme run by Devon County Council that highlights why Devon is the natural choice for any business looking to relocate.
This inward investment campaign is reaching out to businesses across the country to explain why they should consider relocating to Devon. As well as promoting the extensive economic, employment and infrastructure benefits enjoyed by businesses based in the county, Devon Delivers also highlights the quality of life and work-life balance employees can experience.
For further information, please visit www.investdevon.co.uk.
