Major Projects Conference - Delivering in the South West

There is a view that the South-West is not a high priority for Government with a strong focus on the North. Many believe that the South West is fragmented, rural and on occasion negative. The South West annex of the industrial strategy is relatively weak and doesn’t really communicate the value or importance of investments already underway.

The mission is to reposition this and rewrite the narrative to communicate the true extent of growth and investment already happening in the South West? The region is host to one of the largest construction projects in Europe, delivering exceptional outcomes, and has kick-started the largest gigafactory site in the UK to support UK transport decarbonisation.

Whether energy, defence, critical minerals, homes, infrastructure, or academic excellence, the South West is an exceptional region that drives and delivers economic growth, as well as underpins national security and food security. Framed within an enviable natural environment, the South West economy can boost UK capabilities and prospects. The South West passion and spirit is tangible - getting things done.

Working collaboratively, the public and private sectors can expedite growth and create opportunities for businesses and communities. It attracts inward investment and long-term well paid jobs in areas that are critical for the UK not just in financial terms but also with respect to domestic security.

The conference aims to celebrate success, champion collaboration and draw out key lessons. The outcome being to collaborate and share a regional wide appreciation of economic transformation and delivery, drawing out best practice, factors of success to further enable economic growth and prosperity in the South West.

Date: Monday 18th May 2026

Time: 09:00 - 15:30 (registration from 08:30)

Location: McMillan Theatre, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 4PZ

The McMillan Theatre is situated just off Bath Road in Bridgwater, Somerset. It is easy to get to from Bridgwater train station with plenty of free parking. The Theatre is fully accessible, with step-free access, lifts and accessible toilets throughout.

09:00 - 09:30: Arrivals – Teas and Coffees

09:30 - 09:35: Welcome and housekeeping

09:35 - 09:40: Delivering in the South West- Introduction to Conference – Championing the South West

09:45 -10: 00: Celebrating Success - Connecting Growth to Host Communities and Transforming Outcomes

10:00 - 10:15: Nuclear Renaissance- Delivering Hinkley Point C and boosting economic growth and outcomes

10:15 -10:30: The Fourth Industrial Revolution in the heart of Somerset- Decarbonisation of the transport sector in the UK (links to J 22a, National Highways, grid)

10:30 - 10:45: New opportunities for supply chain development in a circular economy

10:45 -1100: Questions to the panel

11:00- 11:30: Tea Break/networking

11:30 - 11:45: Bristol West of England Showcase - Temple Quarter, to NCC, Brabazon

11:45 - 12:00: Bristol Airport- Regional growth and innovation

12:00 - 1230: Bristol Port – Logistics and defence hub

12:30 - 12:45: Investing in Water infrastructure- Tidal Surge Barriers to Reservoirs

12:45 -13:00: Panel questions

13:00 -14: 00: Networking and lunch

14:00 -14:15: Defence and security as an economic driver

14:15 -14:30:The Crown Estate

14:30 - 14:45: Dorset Clean Energy Super Cluster - The Channel Gateway

14:45 -15:00: Professor Phil Taylor- Supergen energy hub

15:00: Panel

15:15: Close and departures by 15:30

We are expecting to have speakers and panellists from Defence, EDF, Stantec, Bristol Port, Bristol Airport, KPMG, Altilium, Agratas, University of Bath, University of Somerset and the South West Business Council.

The final line-up of speakers will be announced shortly.

Refund Policy:

Refunds will be allowable up to 21 days before the event.

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Host or Publisher South West Business Council