Key facts

South West England has Europe's largest concentration of aerospace-related companies, with more than 700 directly engaged in design or manufacture of parts and systems.

• The South West is globally recognised as the European Centre for semiconductor design, with over one third of the UK's designers based in the region

• The region has a strong marine sector with boat building and repair services generating a turnover of £1.3 billion. The sector comprises 2,700 companies employing over 32,000 people

• The South West has some of the UK's fastest growing airports including Bristol, Exeter and Bournemouth. £951 million is earmarked for transport projects, to further improve travel times.

• The environment is one of the richest in the UK, with over 60% of the UK's Heritage Coast, almost half the UK's designated bathing waters, and high proportions of the UK's rarest and most endangered habitats

• The survival rate for businesses is the highest in the UK.

Thinking about bringing your business to the South West, want to find out more?

Find out more about the South West's key business sectors including:

• advanced engineering (including aerospace)

• ICT

• marine

• environmental technology

• biotechnology.

And if you want more detailed information on companies that have established and grown their businesses in London, the South West regional development agency (SWRDA) has a selection of case studies on its website, covering firms in a range of business sectors. For other information on how to do business in the South West region you can also visit the SWRDA website.