Rail Boost to Great South West Growth Charter

27 Mar 2017

Pennon, the leading UK infrastructure group behind the 'Great South West' Growth Charter, has today welcomed the Government's announcement of a £1.2bn boost to South West rail as part of a franchise award to First MTR South Western Trains Ltd. Pennon, which has been working closely with the regions Local Enterprise Partnerships and CBI South West, said it was a vital step in getting the region moving and a clear sign of what the region can achieve when it unites to articulate its calls to government.

Investment in transport connectivity to get business moving was one of the key asks that came out of last year's Pennon-backed South West Growth Summit. The summit, held at the University of Exeter, saw over 300 regional leaders come together to clarify their calls for growth, investment and infrastructure to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP.

The Summit led to the Development of the 'Great South West' Growth Charter, pressure in the form of a Parliamentary debate on the eve of the Autumn statement, and a march to Downing Street by South West MPs to deliver the Charter, led by Gary Streeter MP.

Seeking to mirror the success of the Northern Powerhouse and Midland's Engine, the 'Great South West' Growth Charter outlined a 'new partnership for the South West' with firm commitments from the region around collaboration, innovation, investment in industry, infrastructure, environment and people, sharing the benefits of growth across a self-sustaining region. In return the charter seeks a new Government partnership with the 'Great South West', investment in digital, energy and transport connectivity.

Sarah Heald, Director of Corporate Affairs at Pennon Group, said:

"Today's announcement is great news for connectivity in the South West. We know our region is a place where innovative, successful businesses are able to thrive in spectacular surroundings. But more than that, it's a peninsula perfectly positioned to drive sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

With investment in transport infrastructure a clear call from the 'Great South West' Growth Charter, today's news is a signal that government is listening. It's listening to our united voice and investing in the case for a modern, self-sustaining South West. This is a critical milestone on which we can build."

Deborah Waddell, Regional Director, CBI, said:

"The UK, and the South West especially, is sorely in need of investment in our creaking infrastructure. With 63% of businesses in the region dissatisfied with infrastructure compared to 46% nationally this is a real boost in the resilience and reliability of our rail network. It will help firms better connect to their supply chains as well as access greater pools of talent. Through the Great South West campaign we will ensure the business community is able to speak with one voice and continue to hold Government's feet to the fire on this issue."