New director to lead Great South West’s ambitious growth plans

Ahmed Goga has joined the Great South West Partnership as a director, advising on the Board’s future growth plans.

The Great South West is a Pan-Regional Partnership of senior business leaders, local government, Local Enterprise Partnerships, universities and colleges across Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly, Devon, Dorset and Somerset. The Partnership aims to promote the region’s ‘blue and green’ assets, as part of its ambition to become the ‘UK’s Natural Powerhouse’, and deliver up to £45bn of economic benefit by 2035.

The region’s unique marine, manufacturing, energy, environmental, technological and agricultural strengths are crucial to the success and future security of the UK economy.

In his new role, Ahmed will act as a principal adviser to the Board, leading on a strategic, collaborative approach to the Partnership’s future growth.

Ahmed said:  “This is a really exciting time to be part of the Great South West. The Partnership has united the region, creating a powerful shared voice and an ambitious vision that places it at the heart of the UK’s economic priorities, which I look forward to supporting.

“The region is critical to driving growth and investment for the country, as the UK’s home of world-class natural capital, clean energy, agriculture, and defence capabilities.

“Now is the time to seize these opportunities, and unlock the potential of the region’s green and blue economies, to deliver clean growth and economic prosperity for our region and beyond.”

Ahmed has a strong track record in strategy development and working with business, investors and regional and national civic leaders in building local and regional partnerships, having previously held senior positions within the CBI, KPMG, and Local Enterprise Partnerships.

He added: “We have world leading assets at the vanguard of the transformative technologies and innovation which will improve outcomes for communities and create new, well-paid jobs. 

“Having worked extensively in the South West over the years, I know this region is not just a beautiful place to live and work. The Great South West has the potential to drive forward the UK’s energy transformation and security; to improve social mobility and deliver economic prosperity to our communities.

“I look forward to collaborating with our regional and national partners to champion these opportunities, ensuring that Government works with us to realise them and #BackTheGreatSouthWest."

Karl Tucker, Chair of the Great South West Partnership, said: "I am delighted to welcome Ahmed to the Great South West. His strong background in delivering investment and growth will be key to realising our shared ambition for the future of the Partnership.”

Find out more about the Great South West: greatsouthwest.co.uk