On behalf of the board of the South West Business Council, a warm welcome to all our guests.
We are thrilled to be here in the historic Wardroom at Devonport and wish to thank Base Commander Commodore Jane Roe and her whole team for hosting us in such a strategically important facility for the UK and beyond.
We are also most grateful to have the Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard, as our keynote speaker. Luke is, of course, hugely passionate about his ministerial brief, the City of Plymouth and the role of the wider south-west to deliver growth for the UK.
At SWBC, we feel very fortunate to collaborate and work across the private, public and third sectors and across the geography of the whole of the South-West.
We do this in support of our Vision: supporting and enabling a thriving business community to drive sustainable economic growth and increased prosperity in the South-West.
Sitting alongside our Vision is our Mission: to convene, inform and connect stakeholders to initiate action to unlock growth, shaping solutions, driving delivery – creating opportunities for communities through jobs, homes, training and supply chains.
Since the financial crisis of 2008 it has felt like a period of continuous disruption; Brexit, Russia’s war on Ukraine, some “interesting” approaches to economic policy “across the pond”, the Middle East, energy prices, new legislation for employers etc. Business has been remarkably resilient in the face of these constant challenges.
You will likely have heard us say that “business”, the act of commerce if you will, creates the moments of taxation that funds public services. It is our belief that if government embraces this view, it will get the growth it desires.
The government still talks of going “further and faster”. Well let’s see it, quickly. A strategic reset is a must: a shift from taxation and restraint as a choke on business and investment to an enabling, pro-growth, de-regulated agenda. We want to create greater stability and certainty to unlock the growth the UK needs.
In the South West we are getting on with the largest construction project in Europe and, through that capability and expertise, building a strong nuclear delivery capability.
Whether our culture or our natural capital alongside our proven ability to deliver on energy, defence, security, food security etc the South West is a dynamo that gets things done, underpinned by our ambition, resilience and passion to “get on with it”.
Amongst our members and partners, we have been helping to curate c£30bn worth of inward investment opportunities. These are primarily in the Energy sector and we can, therefore, add to this number the growth that will come out of Defence, especially Autonomy.
There is much to go after. Our ability to deliver a skilled workforce is exceptional and the South-West is geared up to deliver on both existing and new opportunities to maximise the opportunity for well-paid, sustainable job opportunities. This is in no small measure due to the superb range of FE, HE and independent training providers we have in our region.
Turning to tonight’s event, we are hugely grateful that you have taken time out of your busy diaries to be with us; it is very much appreciated.
To our members, a huge thank you for placing your trust in us; we cannot do what we do without you.
Finally, to tonight’s sponsors:
A huge thank you for enabling us to deliver such a special night.
We hope you have a great evening here tonight in this inspiring venue!
The Board of the South West Business Council
Tonight’s Running Order
- 18:00:Reception Drinks
- 19:00:Corps of Drums
- 19:10:Call to Dinner
- 19:20:Welcome – Dinner President
- 19:25:Welcome – SWBC
- 19:30:Dinner Service Commences
- 21:45:Port & Loyal Toasts
- 21:50:Comfort Break
- 22:20:Minister’s Speech
- 22:20:Closing Remarks
- 22:30:Coach Departures
- 23:00:Last Coach Departure
tonight’s menu
Keynote speaker:
Luke Pollard MP, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry
Luke Pollard was elected as the Labour and Co-operative Member of Parliament for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport in June 2017, and re-elected in both 2019 and 2024. Luke was born and lives in Plymouth and is the first MP to be born in Plymouth since Michael Foot represented the city in 1945.
Luke is an energetic fighter and champion for Plymouth, mentioning Plymouth in 290 parliamentary debates since 2017.
a word from our sponsors
Laura Correa Mendioroz, General Manager at Appledore Navantia UK, commented:
“We are delighted to be sponsoring the South West Business Council’s Annual Dinner – a wonderful opportunity for the region’s business community to come together and celebrate everything that makes the South West such a powerhouse, not least in defence and maritime.
“Navantia UK is proud to be playing its part, having returned shipbuilding to North Devon, training the next generation of skilled workers, and investing in new infrastructure and technology to enhance sovereign industrial capability”.
Chris Brook, Place Director, commented:
“At Plymouth Community Homes, everything we do is driven by our core purpose: supporting our residents and strengthening the communities we work to serve.
PCH supports the South West Business Council because of its proven ability to connect, convene, and champion businesses across the region. Its strong relationships with government departments, local authorities, and influential regional organisations ensure that the voice of business is heard. This enables collaboration and the creation of opportunities that support both industry and community.
The South West Business Council’s vision mirrors our own ambitions for Plymouth and the wider South West. Its focus on inward investment, infrastructure improvement, and sustainable development directly supports our role in delivering new affordable homes, regenerating neighbourhoods, and ensuring that positive development continues across the region.
We also share a commitment to its core principles: integrity, transparency, accountability, fairness, and responsible business practice. By working together, we maximise social value whilst delivering and maintaining high‑quality homes for Plymouth’s communities”.
Cormac – Sponsorship Statement
“As part of the Corserv Group, Cormac is proud to sponsor this evening’s event. As a delivery-focused business operating across the South West, we see sponsorship not just as support, but as an extension of how we work, investing in the communities, partnerships and local economies that we are part of every day.
At our core, we are about delivery. Delivering infrastructure, services and solutions that are practical, cost-effective and built to last. Whether working on highways, environmental services, construction or complex civil engineering schemes, our focus is always the same: to deliver safely, efficiently and to a high standard while achieving best value for our clients.
As part of Corserv, we combine commercial strength with a clear public purpose, but it is through Cormac that this is brought to life in the built and natural environment. Our teams are embedded in the region, working day in and day out to maintain and improve essential infrastructure, support economic growth and ensure communities function effectively.
We have a strong and growing presence across the region, building trusted relationships, we are collaborating and delivering services across the city. Our approach is straightforward: understand the challenge, apply the right expertise and deliver reliably.
Our mission, working together to improve the lives of people in our communities, is not just a statement; it is reflected in the outcomes we achieve. From delivering projects to programme and budget, to supporting local supply chains and creating opportunities for skills and employment, we are focused on making a tangible difference.
We pride ourselves on being collaborative, dependable and results-driven. We work closely with our clients and partners to solve problems, manage risk and deliver outcomes that provide long-term value. Our emphasis on efficiency, innovation and practical delivery ensures we consistently meet expectations while maintaining cost control.
We are delighted to support this event and to be part of an evening that brings together people who are equally committed to delivering positive outcomes for the region. It is these shared ambitions and strong partnerships that continue to drive success across our communities”.
Thank you for attending the South West Business Council Annual Dinner 2026 – we hope you can join us at our next event on the 3rd September 2026.
