Great South West Conference returns to Sandy Park

Around 500 delegates took over the entirety of the conferencing space at Sandy Park as the Great South West Conference returned for a second year in a row.

National and regional leaders came together to throw a spotlight on the South West’s central role in delivering the Government’s recently unveiled Industrial Strategy.

Senior business leaders, investors, policymakers and newly elected MPs gathered to demonstrate how the region is driving forward national priorities such as clean growth, defence, innovation and productivity.

The sold-out conference provided a platform to align ambition and delivery, and show how the South West is securing the UK’s future through energy, food and defence security.

A business breakfast kicked off proceedings in the County Suite before all delegates were hosted to in the Exeter Suite for a keynote speech from Luke Pollard MP, Minister of State for Defence Readiness & Industry.

Breakout sessions to explore delivery, investment and innovation were held in the County, Chiefs and Estuary Suites, while a programme of seminars were held in the boxes that overlook the pitch at Sandy Park.

All delegates were invited to partake in a lunch buffet in the middle of the day.

Karl Tucker, chair of the Great South West Conference, said: “I was proud to welcome over 500 leaders from across government, industry, academia and investment to Exeter last Friday for our 2025 Annual Conference - the biggest and most impactful convening the Great South West has ever held."

This year’s event came at a pivotal moment for the region. With the Government’s new Industrial Strategy front and centre, our conference showed exactly why the Great South West must be at the heart of its delivery, with real examples, powerful ideas, and ambitious voices leading the conversation.

"The calibre of discussion, the feedback we’ve received, and the connections made on the day underline just how much momentum we’re building and how much more we can achieve together.

"Thanks to our event partners Babcock International Group, Deloitte, Leonardo UK, Browne Jacobson, KPMG, Plessey Semiconductors, Supacat, and UCS College Group. Their support shows what’s possible when business, education and government work together in partnership to champion our region on the national stage.

"More than anything, the event offered a clear reminder: the Great South West is not just ready to deliver for the UK. We already are."