Starting a Business in South West England

Tourism powerhouse and growing tech hub. Agriculture, hospitality, and creative industries thrive here.

At a Glance

GDP per capita

£30k

Commercial rent

£18/sq ft/yr

5yr survival rate

45%

Population

5.7M

Unique Opportunities in South West

✓UK's #1 domestic tourism destination (Cornwall)
✓SFI and agri-environment scheme hotspot
✓Bristol: top UK city for green tech and creative industries
✓Renewable energy — offshore wind (Bristol Channel), solar farms

Top Sectors in South West

Agriculture & Farming

5–30% net margin

Hospitality & Food

3–12% net margin

Green & Sustainable

15–30% net margin

Professional Services

25–45% net margin

Grant & Funding Sources

💰Cornwall & Isles of Scilly LEP
💰Rural Payments Agency
💰Heart of the South West LEP
💰Innovate UK Net Zero

Counties & Areas

DevonCornwallSomersetDorsetWiltshireGloucestershire