Conference to set out economic growth opportunities and challenges within Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Posted on: September 27th, 2018 On the 5th December, prominent business and public-sector leaders will come together for the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Economic Growth Conference – the region’s largest business conference of the year. The conference, hosted by Built Environment Networking, will see some of the region’s biggest names in business, politics and local government lead regional economic discussions whilst presenting major housing, commercial and infrastructure development schemes set to happen across the region – with the aim of boosting skills, jobs, homes and the wider economy. More than 30 speakers will discuss and present their future vision and plans for the region including representation from: Mayor James Palmer Wellcome Genome Campus University of Cambridge Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority Marshall Group British Land Urban & Civic U+I Group City College Peterborough AstraZeneca This Land™ East Cambridgeshire District Council South Cambridgeshire District Council [emaillocker id=”71749″] The day-long event will provide a unique opportunity for over 350 delegates to hear about the collaborative approach to economic growth from the public and private sectors with the aim of ensuring positive regeneration and development within the region, whilst meeting over 20 exhibitors showcasing how they can contribute to the economic success of the region. Mayor James Palmer officially launched the conference this week at an event showcasing future developments happening in the region and he said: “This September we saw the results of a hugely detailed, in-depth and thorough study of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough economy which revealed growth greater than government figures and a dynamic, homegrown business community containing some of the world’s most innovative enterprises. “That report, The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Independent Economic Review (CPIER), chaired by economist Dame Kate Barker, also highlighted the important challenges and meaningful actions we need to take to ensure that prosperity continues, and spreads to more people across the area. The report shared my view that we must tackle the major skills, housing and transport issues which threaten our future growth and supports my view that urgent action and bold and ambitious thinking is needed to meet those challenges head-on. “Part of my role as Mayor is to push for innovative solutions to these challenges. That includes bold projects like developing a university for Peterborough, a metro with underground tunnelling serving Greater Cambridge and the wider area, and the dualling of the A10 and A47. But it also includes finding new ways to finance such projects where it is unrealistic to expect a handout from Government. We are progressing mechanisms and policies such as land value capture and fiscal devolution to lever private sector funding through investment funds to make these important infrastructure upgrades happen. ‘’The devolution deal for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough challenged the Combined Authority and me as Mayor to double the size of the economy over 25 years, but to also make that growth sustainable and fair so that the area is an even better place to live, learn and work. We have a unique opportunity to do just that.” David Gelling, Managing Director of This Land™, said: ‘’This conference is important in providing industry experts and practitioners with an opportunity to meet and exchange ideas and opportunities with like-minded businesses and individuals who are invested in the growth of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Cambridge itself is currently the fastest-growing city economy in the UK, but that growth is becoming increasingly constrained by the scarcity of new homes. The greater Cambridgeshire region has a pressing need to deliver more high-quality housing of all types to accommodate the fast pace of economic growth and inward investment that the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough sub-region is experiencing. This event should be a valuable forum to find new ways to unlock the faster housing growth that the area needs.’’ Matt Sampson, Development Director of Regeneration at U+I, said: ”We’re incredibly excited about the potential of the region and to be working with partners in Cambridge that share our vision for creating a unique and vibrant places that modern communities need to thrive. We are looking forward to being part of an event, where we can draw on our experiences and discuss our future plans for how we plan to provide much-needed housing to this currently undersupplied region, and help create great people centred places that reflect the area’s historical past, and bright economic future.” Ron Henry, Director Midlands and East at PBA, now part of Stantec, commented: “We are thrilled to be the Conference Partner for the Infrastructure session at this prestigious conference. We are driving many high profile projects in and around the Cambridge and Peterborough area, such as North West Cambridge Development, Waterbeach Barracks and Airfield in Cambridge Alconbury Weald in Huntingdon, Wintringham Park in St Neots, and Hampton Development and Great Haddon in Peterborough to name but a few. We therefore have a vested interest in the long-term development of the region. We look forward to hearing from industry speakers and meeting fellow professionals and clients on the day”. Keith Griffiths, MD of Built Environment Networking said: ‘’Civic and business leaders in the region have an evident ambition to deliver an unprecedented level of economic growth in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. It’s an incredibly exciting period for the region and this conference will be central to understanding the barriers to growth, whilst ensuring alignment and collaboration in the industry to boost jobs, skills, growth and regeneration across the whole region.’’ For more information or to book tickets to the event on the 5th December visit: www.built-environment-networking.com/CPEGC18 and for media enquiries please contact Nathan Spencer at nathan.spencer@www.built-environment-networking.com [/emaillocker]
