West Devon

Local Priorities

Supporting businesses to succeed is key to our local focus on enhancing the well-being of the people who live and work in our area. Our investment in creating a thriving rural community includes:

• Enhanced connectivity
• Embedding clean growth
• Addressing climate change and biodiversity challenges
• Nurturing our strengths in agriculture, food and drink
• Respecting our heritage and natural landscapes

Key sectors

• Food and drink
• Tourism
• Lifestyle
• Creative industries

Business Types

From iconic family-favourites like Ambrosia Rice Pudding to artisan makers keeping traditional crafts alive, our inspiring landscape is a hub for businesses of all sizes.

Infra-structure / Connections

• Driving from Okehampton:
  • Exeter Airport 1 hour via A30
  • Plymouth 1 hour via A30
• West Devon is part of a £2.2million project to expand the reach of superfast broadband.
  • Re-opening of the Okehampton to Exeter railway line confirmed.

Our Natural Capital

• We’re home to England’s largest industrial UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape.
• The historic, inspiring landscape of Dartmoor National Park is also a magnet for creative minds.
• Our flourishing towns and villages are home to a growing community of artisan makers who are receiving national attention for their wares.

Opportunities

• Exeter has demonstrated a particularly resilient economy during the pandemic. There have been a great number of start-ups in the digital and tech space.
• The proximity to key businesses and organisations such as the Met Office and the University of Exeter provides a wide range of opportunities for businesses operating in the research and innovation space.

Available premises 

• All local agents are encouraged to use the Exeter Commercial Property Register to promote their available commercial space; Exeter Commercial Property Register