Foreword
The South West Observatory network supports evidence-based strategy, policy and decision-making within, and about, the the South West of England. The network collectively contributes to, and promotes, the development and common understanding of a shared evidence base through the pooling of best practice, resources and intelligence.
The State of the South West is updated annually online and draws together inputs from the wider Observatory network. It describes recent trends and highlights key challenges and issues faced by this part of the country. The online resource provides detailed access to underpinning data, and individual chapters will be made available to download in pdf form. I commend it as a way into understanding the make up of the region, a snapshot that will stand comparison over time.
I would like to thank all the contributors for their work and continued dialogue throughout the updating process. Special thanks go to the State of the South West Production Team at the Observatory Core Unit for pulling everything together.
We welcome any comments, suggestions or contributions you feel would improve the State of the South West going forward. Please email enquiries@swo.org.uk.
Vinita Nawathe
Managing Director, South West Observatory Core Unit
