Local Growth Minister Greg Clark was in Torquay last night (Tuesday 7th October) after being invited to the bay by Conservative Candidate Kevin Foster to meet local business leaders to discuss the future of the bay’s economy.
The Minister for Universities, Science and Cities, is in the region to sign the £270.3 million Heart of the South West Growth Deal. The deal secures £130.3m of Government funding, as well as a further £140m of additional investment from local partners and the private sector.
At last night’s high level meeting, chaired by Rob Newman of the Torbay Business Forum, local leaders and key public sector partners put forward how best to use Government cash to boost jobs, invest in the Bay’s infrastructure and provide a brighter future for generations to come.
The venue for the meeting was the Harbour Works in Torquay that was created thanks to the Government’s Coastal Communities Funding scheme.
Kevin said: “It was great to give so many members of the Torbay business community the chance to talk to the Minister about the future of this wonderful area. They are all passionate about the Bay and want to make sure it realises its full potential.”
Guests included Jim Parker (Editor of the Herald Express), Marshall Ritchie (Chairman, Torquay Chamber of Commerce), Steve Parrock (Executive Officer, Torbay Council), Stephen Criddle (Principal, South Devon College), Susie Colley (Chair, Torquay Neighbourhood Plan) and Alan Denby (Director of Economic Strategy at the Torbay Development Agency).
Kevin added: “We can’t just rely on our iconic tourism industry. If we want the next generation to stay in the Bay we need to make sure there are opportunities in other fields.
“One of the ideas was to become a technology hub – Silicone Bay. To invest in skills and training in an area that attracts businesses not necessarily tied to the big cities.
“Another idea was to invest in the area’s amazing fishing industry. To invest in facilities to make Brixham Fish the benchmark for quality – like Aberdeen Angus or Devon Clotted Cream.
“All of this takes money but it’s clear from last night’s meeting that the will is there from the Conservative led Government and the vision is here from the people of Torbay, with projects “shovel ready” to deliver jobs.”
The Minister said the Growth Deal, announced in July, presents huge opportunities for the South West, including investment in skills to help start and grow dynamic businesses in
sectors like environmental science and marine renewables.
At the meeting he said: “I’ve known Kevin for years and I’m here to find out from you what I can do to help in the months and years ahead.
“You can’t just run a country from London. The people that know what their local economy needs are the people who live and work in those economies. You are the people who will help us help your community.”