Business leaders say South West will play 'vital' role in driving growth and stability
They have been reacting to last week's Labour landslide
Business leaders have been reacting over the weekend to the election result - which, nationally and locally, saw a Labour landslide.
Some of those are from the people at Business West, which helps companies grow, innovate and export from up and down our region.
Everything they do contributes to making the South West the best place to live, learn and work - and they say they are 'welcoming' the Labour Party's commitment to supporting the growth of the economy in our region.
Phil Smith, MD of Business West said: “We congratulate the incoming Prime Minister and his government. We look forward to working with our newly elected Members of Parliament to make our region the best place to live, learn and work.
"We welcome the Labour Party’s commitment to an enduring partnership with business to deliver the economic growth and stability that we need. We also welcome the commitment to involving industry, trade unions and civil society in its plans for growth so we can contribute to building a stronger economy in all parts of the country.
"Our region has a vital role to play in driving UK productivity, increasing international trade and powering sustainable and inclusive growth. To do this, business needs the right environment to provide good, well-paid, jobs and deliver the investment that will help fund decent public services and improvements to living standards and infrastructure.
"Our region has great economic strengths, and we ask that this potential is fully harnessed. We need ambitious plans to tackle our longstanding challenges to help kickstart economic growth. These challenges include transport connectivity, housing, and planning.
"We would like to see initiatives that help people gain the skills and support that contribute to growing the economy. We also need investment in our emerging and growth sectors like green energy, alongside investing in the building blocks of the local economy that allow our businesses and staff to thrive.”