South West Business Council CEO Paul Coles argues that the region needs more powerful, directly elected mayors if it is going to unlock economic growth and have a stronger voice in Westminster.

In this 'Agenda Item' episode of The South West Agenda, Tim Williams speaks to Paul about the case for giving local leaders greater powers, whether the South West is getting a fair deal from central government, and what stronger regional leadership could mean for businesses and communities across the region.

From devolution and economic growth to transport, investment and the future of the South West, this is a conversation about who should have the power to shape the region's future.

Could elected mayors give the South West the political clout it needs?

Paul singles out four potential areas that could end up with an elected mayor: Cornwall, Devon, an expanded 'West of England' and Wessex, comprising Somerset, Dorset, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, and parts of Wiltshire.

Follow The South West Agenda for more conversations with the politicians, business leaders and thinkers shaping the future of the region.

Leave a comment below with any thoughts of your own!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rural villages across the South West face “big city challenges” but they are often “hidden” and not appreciated fully by central government in Whitehall.

That’s one of the insights from special guest Justin Sargent OBE in this second part of his conversation with Tim - in which they also share their appreciation of cheese and cider!

We delve deeply into the characteristics of the Westcountry, particularly Devon, Cornwall and Somerset, where Justin has been Chief Executive of the Somerset Community Foundation for over 20 years. But the lessons equally apply to Gloucestershire, where Justin hails from, plus the cities of Bristol, Bath, Plymouth, Bournemouth and the county of Wiltshire.

In that time, he’s seen the charity sector evolve - and Tim asks whether it’s become more corporate as the years have gone by.

Justin offers brilliant advice for small charities and community groups looking for funding - tapping in Justin’s wide expertise of the grantmaking world.

We also discuss how philanthropy has changed and whether cultures of the United States rubbed off over here.

There’s also political chat - from the Big Society to Levelling Up. From New Labour to the Coalition government of the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats to the latest Labour government. Plus how the Civil Service sees the region of the South West.

How should the balance be between the public sector, such as local government, councils and mayors, and the community and charity sectors?

Also you might be surprised to hear that the Somerset Community Foundation has been experimenting with Artificial Intelligence, AI, in clever but careful ways using Claude.

We finish with some advice for Members of Parliament and a heartwarming story of Justin and his wife visiting the then-Prince Charles at the royal palaces to receive his OBE and meeting a poignant fellow guest.

Follow and subscribe to The South West Agenda with Tim Williams for more political, business and leadership conversations - and find us across Instagram, Youtube and TikTok where you can see clips of the interviews.

Thanks to Justin - and thank you for listening!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Justin Sargent OBE is one of the most thoughtful and respected CEOs in the West Country.

In this honest conversation with The South West Agenda host Tim Williams, he discusses the highs and lows of leading Somerset Community Foundation for over 20 years. 

We discuss his background, including his time in Africa witnessing positive and negative practices in international development. The characteristics of the South West of England including challenges for rural areas - and whether that is fully understood by Westminster politicians. There are also lessons in philanthropy and fundraising and much more.

The South West Agenda is grateful to Justin for being the first of many guests on the new podcast. Please follow the show for future episodes relating to leadership, politics and business in the South West of England.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the first Agenda Item from The South West Agenda with Tim Williams.

These are occasional, bitesize analytical takes on topics affecting the political and business world in the South West.

We begin with some reflections on Andy Burnham's Cabinet selections - and ask whether it matters that so few are from the South West, with some potted history along the way.

You can get in touch by emailing [email protected]

Thanks for listening

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new home for in-depth conversation with leaders from across the South West of England is coming soon with a range of brilliant guests. Please subscribe to receive episodes in your feed as soon as they are published.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.