Cheshire East are backing the Prime Minister’s industrial vision of putting science at the heart of the UK’s industrial future – and it’s already ‘leading by example’. The region, which is attracting companies and investment discussions which hi-tech businesses, welcomed the vision from Theresa May who said that science and innovation is one of the country’s greatest assets and can drive economic growth in the future.

Cheshire East is already the home of numerous hi-tech and innovative businesses such as Bentley Motors, Waters, AstraZeneca and more – with the Cheshire Science Corridor Enterprise Zone an incredible example of the work happening in the region. The development of these zones such as the Science Corridor can then attract further investment into the region whilst creating jobs – and it’ll be a key focus of our one day HS2 Economic Growth Conference later this year. Karen Tierney, Programme Director at the Constellation Partnership led by Cheshire East Council, will be joining our panel to discuss the huge opportunities HS2 could hold for the region amongst other public and private sector leaders.

The region isn’t only one of those leading the way in attracting hi-tech businesses to the region. It’s also leading the way nationally in superfast broadband roll-out – with more than 95% of homes and businesses connected. These two elements of fast connectivity, HS2 and Broadband, are two key reasons why there is so much positivity towards the future development opportunities in Cheshire and the surrounding region.

Prime Minister Theresa May announced that the governments Industrial Strategy will make a commitment to support a drive in science and technology and ‘take it to the next level’. This included £7bn in public funding towards science, research and innovation – the largest increase for 40 years. It’s hoped the investment will help the government towards a target of achieving a record 2.4% GDP invested in research and development by 2027, which translated into a huge £80bn additional investment over the next decade.

Following the speech Councillor Rachel Bailey, Leader of Cheshire East, said: ”The UK has been a cradle of scientific achievement for centuries and here at Cheshire East, we recognise that such vision and innovation will be crucial for the creation of jobs and economic growth in the 21st century. I agree with the prime minister that today the world stands at the threshold of a new technological age as exciting as any in our history. That’s why this council and its officers will not rest on the laurels of previous successes – but continue to work with our partners, both across the region and across the industry, to take advantage of changes in how we live, work and do business, in order to reshape our regional and national economy and transform our communities in the years ahead.”

She added: ”Key to all of this will be the nurturing of people’s skills and delivery of modern infrastructure, such as fully-integrated HS2, to enable Cheshire East and the wider sub-region to deliver growth, jobs and rebalance the national economy. That way we can deliver a thriving modern economy and excellent quality of place for residents in a Cheshire East that continues to be highly-desirable place to live, work, visit and do business.”

Cheshire East currently has one of the best performing economies within the UK – with GVA 27% higher than the UK average. The regions high-growth sectors and industries in the next few years are expected to include digital and creative industries, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, automotive and agri-tech.

HS2 is likely to help unlock economic opportunities across the region and we’re delighted to be including Cheshire and the surrounding region as part of our incredible line-up. Be at the forefront of economic growth and join us at the HS2 Economic Growth Conference.