Powering up ̽��Ƶ’s economy

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Powering up ̽��Ƶ’s economy

University plays vital role in ̽��Ƶ Economic Strategy and Delivery Plan

Aerial view of ̽��Ƶ Sound and the city from Mount Wise (1280x720)

Dave Shuttleworth

Head of Corporate Communications

Corporate Communications (Marketing and Communications)

10 March 2025

The ̽��Ƶ is supporting a new plan from ̽��Ƶ City Council that aims to deliver 8,000 new jobs, 10,000 new homes and 1,000 new businesses over the next decade.

Launched today, – some of which are already in train – that will turn that ambition into reality.

They range in scale from the recently-established Growth Alliance ̽��Ƶ – a partnership capitalising on the Government's £4.4 billion investment in defence at HM Devonport Naval Base – through to initiatives designed to supercharge ̽��Ƶ’s already strong marine sector, including supporting the development of renewable energy through floating offshore wind.

Team effort

Council Leader, Cllr Tudor Evans OBE said:

“This is a truly a team effort. We all want to see the city’s economy grow, but in a way that makes our residents feel they are part of this success story, to feel proud and part of where they live, to see their families housed and their children get the skills they need to thrive and prosper here in ̽��Ƶ.”

The University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Richard Davies is leading the Sustainable Growth strand, with James McKenzie Blackman from the Theatre Royal, Lindsey Hall from Real Ideas and City College ̽��Ƶ’s Jackie Grubb taking on other aspects of the plan.

We are ̽��Ƶ’s University. Our success is the city’s success and vice versa. Our University has a global outlook, but I am keen that we lean into our civic responsibilities too – not least because half of our UK-based students come from Devon and Cornwall. More than any other higher education institution, ̽��Ƶ is also the South West’s University.

Both ̽��Ƶ and its University are key to the social, cultural and – most importantly – economic success of our surrounding region, as well as our city. And we have nationally important work to do, as well – especially around defence, in these increasingly uncertain times.

By working with our friends in the city and further afield, the ̽��Ƶ will contribute to our vibrant city in many ways – not least by being a key partner in delivering this excellent strategy for future growth, security and prosperity.

Professor Richard Davies
Vice-Chancellor

̽��Ƶ Economic Strategy and Delivery Plan

Jane Slavin

On the Waterfront

In addition to today’s launch event, the University’s wider work supporting the UK’s coastal communities – including ̽��Ƶ – features in a new report from Key Cities, a national cross-party network representing 25 urban centres across the UK. Read more about On the Waterfront .

Read the full report on the Key Cities website: