PLYMOUTH has been named the most enterprising place in the South West in the Government's Enterprising Britain competition.

Enterprising Britain 2008 is a nationwide competition run by Make Your Mark on behalf of the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, and in partnership with the South West Regional Development Agency.

Stephen Peacock, the RDA's executive director of enterprise and innovation, said: "We're thrilled to name Plymouth the most enterprising place in the South West. Their success demonstrates what can be achieved if people work together to improve the social and economic prospects of their community.

"The South West has a rich history of enterprise and we're confident the success of Plymouth will spur on others to take the plunge and set up innovative initiatives that unlock the region's business potential. This will further strengthen the enterprise culture in the South West for generations to come."

Elaine Budd, Plymouth's business growth project manager, said: "Winning the regional heat of the Enterprising Britain competition is a fantastic achievement and we're delighted to have been recognised for all our hard work.

"The Local Strategic Partnership's initiative is an ongoing enterprise initiative and we will continue to work towards improving the economic fortunes of our area alongside the newly-formed City Development Company.

"Hopefully, our commitment and determination will stand us in good stead for the national Enterprising Britain final in September."

Now in its fourth year, the competition celebrates and rewards those places of enterprise excellence that have helped transform the social and economic fortunes of their area.

Against stiff competition, the judges said Plymouth had been recognised for its shared sense of purpose, its progress in increasing enterprise activity and for its aspiration to become the enterprise capital of the South West.

A spokesman for the South West RDA said: "Plymouth has faced tough challenges in the past due to a generational reliance on large-scale employers, leading to the development of a narrow economic base. This has in turn led to under-developed, risk-averse communities short on skills, confidence, vision, entrepreneurship and investment.

"The Local Strategic Partnership's Business Growth initiative has worked, is working and will continue to work towards addressing these issues via a range of methods, including working with education institutions to promote the uptake of enterprise-related learning, developing targeted business support and fostering creative energy and a sense of city pride in the city."

The South West Regional Development Agency has spent the last four months hunting for the most enterprising place, with the hope that the winner will be named overall winner in the national Enterprising Britain 2008 final this September.

During June and July, Plymouth will be visited by members of a high- profile national judging panel. This year's panel includes Peter Jones, of Dragons' Den fame, and James Murray Wells who, at 21, launched Glasses Direct, the largest direct seller of spectacles in the world.

The Enterprising Britain 2008 winner will go on to represent the UK at the European Enterprise Awards later in the year.