South West

Watch out South West, we’re moving in! Our Connected Britain research revealed that the South West could be Britain’s most popular destination in future with a staggering population growth of 158%, if people were enabled by universal connectivity to live and work from their dream location and stay connected.

And we’re already on the march. The South West’s population of 5.2 million (mid-2007) has increased by 7.3% since 1997, in comparison with an overall increase of 4.6% for the UK over the same period. It currently has the lowest population density of any English region, with 35% of the South West’s population living in rural area settlements of less than 10,000 people. Just as well it’s not too crowded now, or the rest of us won’t be able to squeeze in!

So what’s the attraction? Well, apart from Devon’s famous cream teas and Somerset cider, some of the most historic towns and cities are here in the South West. The largest stretch of protected coastline in the UK also makes it a mecca for surfers and sailors alike. Jobs-wise, 81% of jobs in the region are in the service sector including tourism, retail and public sector. The region is also a leading European centre for aerospace, marine and semiconductor design.