A region ready to deliver: inside the West of England’s new growth vision

Last Thursday evening, members of the Bristol Initiative gathered at Gloucestershire County Cricket Ground for the penultimate Quarterly Members’ Evening of the year. The event came at a pivotal moment for the region, as the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (WECA) unveiled its new Growth Strategy, an ambitious, action-oriented plan to drive inclusive economic growth over the next decade.

Regional updates and what’s next

Neil Priscott, Gloucestershire Cricket’s CEO, welcomed members with a reflection on the club’s recent achievements, such as last year’s T20 Blast victory, and shared that the ground will host matches during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2026, a significant milestone for women’s sport and a proud moment for Bristol.

Victoria Matthews, Director of the Bristol Initiative, shared updates from the region. She highlighted Bristol’s reputation as an innovative city, mentioned Darren Jones MP’s appointment to a new chief secretary role, the unification of the city’s Business Improvement Districts, and the launch of the Bristol Heat Network. She also announced that Business West has been contracted to deliver the Local Skills Improvement Plan for Somerset, expanding its skills development footprint. 

It's a time of change for Business West, as after three decades of leadership Managing Director Phil Smith will retire in March 2026. Victoria also shared news that she was departing on maternity leave, with Jenny Ablett becoming Acting Director.

Ed Rowberry, President of the Bristol Initiative, reflected on the Initiative’s recent work, including the Advisory Committee’s focus on placemaking, transport, skills, and social mobility. He also spoke about the region’s presence at the Labour Party Conference, where the new Growth Strategy highlighted the West of England’s story. 

The West of England Growth Strategy

Stephen Peacock, Chief Executive of WECA, opened the keynote session with a clear message: the West of England is ready to walk taller. Describing the Growth Strategy as “a long cool drink when you’re really thirsty,” he acknowledged the region’s historic hesitancy to shout about its strengths but made clear that era is over.

The strategy sets out a bold vision for 28% economic growth over the next ten years, underpinned by six priority areas: contributing to national economic growth, transport, housing, skills, green jobs, and poverty reduction. It includes 66 specific actions, linked to each of these priorities & shaped through consultation with businesses and communities, and introduces a network of regional growth zones to focus investment where it can have the greatest impact.

The strategy also identifies five priority sectors will drive the growth potential of the West of England: advanced manufacturing, digital & technologies, clean energy industries, creative industries and the everyday economy.

Stephen emphasised that this is not just about storytelling, it’s about delivery, “We’ve had reflective sessions on why we haven’t done this before, but we’ve put that behind us. We have a story to tell, and we’re walking taller.”

Building on strengths, unlocking potential

Jess Lee, Director of Strategy at WECA, brought the data to life. She highlighted that 47% of businesses in the region are innovation-active, and that the West of England is home to a young, rapidly growing population and a diverse, collaborative economy. The region’s cultural and natural assets, she said, are not just lifestyle perks, they’re economic drivers. Jess also stressed that economic growth must be felt by residents, not just measured in spreadsheets, “growth shouldn’t be an intangible concept, it should make a real difference.”

She also noted that the Combined Authority is developing a Child Poverty Strategy by the end of the year and will report regularly on progress across all outcomes.

A business board to drive delivery

Nick Sturge, interim co-chair of the newly launched West of England Business Board, spoke about the board’s role in turning strategy into action. The board will bring together leaders from across sectors and education, with a structure designed to be agile, inclusive, and impactful.

“We’ve grappled for years with what’s special about this place,” he said, “this strategy is long, but it’s worthwhile. And it needs to work for everyone.”

The board is currently recruiting, with up to 50 sub-board seats and several board roles still open. Nick encouraged applications from across the business community, particularly from younger professionals and underrepresented voices saying “we’re looking for athletes, not trophies.”

From vision to delivery: mass transit and momentum

During the Q&A, the panel was asked how the region would accelerate delivery of a long-awaited mass transit system. Stephen responded that the Growth Strategy is the guiding star, “We have to show why this scheme needs to exist, and that we can pay for it. This is one system with many parts.”

He pointed to recent progress, more new stations opened in the last three years than in the previous seventy, and stressed the importance of building momentum through early wins, “We’ve got to build some stuff, then go back to London and show that, then ask for more money to finish it off.”

Jess added that while the Combined Authority doesn’t have all the funding it needs, it is telling the right story to attract investment, “The work we’re doing will show government and investors that we can deliver.”

Other questions focused on youth engagement, investment alignment, and how to keep the strategy alive beyond its launch. Nick emphasised the importance of empowering the business community to play its part, while Jess spoke about the need for a shared narrative and transparent reporting. Stephen closed by noting WECA will embed the Growth Strategy across it's work, saying  “We will be living this plan every day.”

Experience insights like these firsthand

The next Quarterly Members’ Evening will take place in December at the Bristol Old Vic. By joining the Bristol Initiative, you gain exclusive access to sold-out events where regional leaders shape policy, you can network with influential business leaders, and have a direct line to the partnerships driving Bristol’s future. Don’t just read about progress; be a part of it. Join us today to connect, collaborate, and catalyse what’s next for our region.