In partnership with Saffery Champness and Womble Bond Dickinson TheBusinessDesk.com is staging a special event which will test the temperature of the economy in the South West.

A panel of business leaders and opinion formers will discuss the strengths of the South West and the challenges, opportunities and changes facing the region over the coming 12 months and beyond.

The South West has one of the strongest and most vibrant business communities in the UK and is one of the best placed regions to cope with the challenges currently facing the economy.

Financial services, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, food and drink and a burgeoning technology and software sector all help to make the region one of the most prosperous and exciting places to live and work.

Our panel of experts will discuss what sets the South West apart, what could be done to make it easier for businesses to prosper, the challenges facing firms when it comes to employing the very best talent and what needs to be done to make the region even more attractive to investors.

We will examine how the South West compares to the other key regions in the UK and what can be done to make it even more attractive and competitive on the national and international stage.

Claire Pearce, director of planning and economic development, Gravity

Ric Hampton, regional director, Hydrock

Tegan McKernon, executive leader, Marsh Commercial

Ben Rhodes, CBI Regional Director

Jonathan Bower, partner, Womble Bond Dickinson

Neil Davies, partner, Saffery Champness

John Wilkinson, director, Western Gateway