Ref. 13651-13UNIVERSITY CAMPUS FEATURE: THE South West Regional Development Agency was set up in 1999 to act as a catalyst for the long-term economic prosperity of the region.

Its primary function is to promote and foster conditions that encourage businesses to proliferate, succeed and generate prosperity.

The RDA recognises the economic and social needs of all areas vary within the region, sometimes dramatically. Members garner commercial intelligence from all over the world and use this networking to help south west companies win major contracts.

The south west region contributes around eight per cent of the National Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and its growth has consistently out performed the UK average, but there are large disparities in areas of wealth and deprivation.

Parks and Walcot estates, for example, are among the 10 most deprived areas of the region. In 2002 SWRDA contributed £1.5 million to the Parks and East Walcot Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership to create a variety of social, economic and environmental projects to address the needs of people living there.

In December 2001 it provided the funding to set up the New Swindon Company, the organisation charged with bringing about a renaissance to the town centre. And earlier this year it helped launch the Swindon Smartplace Initiative a £7 million public-private sector partnership to bring broadband technology to businesses and home users in Swindon and Wiltshire.