UK Business Information / South West

The South West specialises in advanced engineering, ICT and biomedical research. With the largest aeronautics industry in the UK, the largest microelectrics industry in Europe and significant R&D spend each year, the workforce of the South West is technologically well equipped.

29.1% of the region's population have achieved NVQ level 4 or above.

The table below shows how the workforce breaks down among the core industries.

EMPLOYMENT JOBS BY INDUSTRY (thousands):

Original data from ONS.

More than 18,000 people are employed full-time with Aerospace in the region, and over 5,000 employed in the ICT industry. Links between business and local universities remains strong, ensuring students are equipped with the necessary skills on graduation.

The South West is particularly strong in wireless communication technologies, photonics, software, information storage and security. And there are also exciting pockets of growth in robotics and biometrics.

15,000 of the 152, 000 research and development jobs created in the UK were in the South West, one of the highest concentrations in the UK.

20,000 people are employed in the region's burgeoning biomedical and biotechnology sectors. The region has particular expertise in biodiagnostics, medical devices, biomanufacture and marine biology.

3,000 research staff  - soon to rise to 4,000 - are employed by the Health Protection Agency and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory at Porton Down.

Although not as large as its other industries, the South West has a significant financial sector. 15% of the region's population are employed in financial services.