Dubbed ‘Team Cambridgeshire’ civic leaders, industry leaders and MPs led the charge for growth at a Parliamentary reception in London. A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority said the event demonstrated the county’s “crucial role in contributing to growth.
“The event united business leaders, politicians and infrastructure experts to discuss the region’s future national growth strategies”.
Panellists from AstraZeneca, ARU Peterborough, Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce, Cambridge Delivery Group and England’s Economic Heartlands were among those who shared their insights on regional growth while addressing key challenges such as housing and transport.
More than 60 delegates attended, representing established businesses, start-up’s, local government, the National Wealth Fund, MPs, and national stakeholder organisations.
The Westminster event was titled: “Driving Growth for the UK: The Pivotal Role of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough”, and was co-sponsored by Andrew Pakes, MP for Peterborough and Sam Carling, MP for North West Cambridgeshire.
This event builds momentum and enthusiasm for Team Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s participation at UKREiiF 2025, one of Europe’s largest trade and investment conferences, taking place in Leeds in May.
Mayor Dr Nik Johnson at ‘Driving Growth for the UK: The Pivotal Role of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’ Parliamentary receptionCPCA will showcase a broad range of investment opportunities from across the region, supported by stakeholders from local government and the private sector.
The UKREiiF platform will spotlight Cambridgeshire and Peterborough as a premium investment destination, boasting a thriving business environment, skilled workforce and focus on sustainable growth.
Mayor Dr Nik Johnson said: “Growth in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is essential to achieving better living standards, higher wages, and more opportunities for our residents.
That’s a wrap – we did it !#TeamCambridgeshireandPeterborough
Parliamentary reception,
Driving Growth for the UK: Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s Pivotal Role, showcasing how the region can continue to generate vital growth and opportunities for all pic.twitter.com/rjoyl8nGlR
— Mayor Dr Nik Johnson (@NikJohnsonCA) January 27, 2025
“It’s crucial that we advocate economic growth for our region, as everyone deserves a place to live, access to education, social connections, and a healthy environment.
Mayor Dr Nik Johnson at ‘Driving Growth for the UK: The Pivotal Role of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’ Parliamentary reception“This event has provided us with the opportunity to showcase Cambridgeshire and Peterborough as a serious contender in growth initiatives and build excitement for UKREiiF 2025, where we can demonstrate our global leadership.”
Cllr Sarah Conboy, Executive Leader at Huntingdonshire District Council, said: Huntingdonshire is proud to play a key role in driving economic growth that can benefit Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
“This event was an important step in building partnerships and momentum ahead of UKREiiF 2025.
“We are proud to be supporting the next event in the run up to UKREiiF in Huntingdon on 10 February, which will bring together leaders from government, industry, and academia to explore the region’s future as the ideal location for a state-of-the-art UK Battery Research and Development Centre (UKBRDC).
‘Driving Growth for the UK: The Pivotal Role of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’ Parliamentary reception
“This landmark event will examine the critical need for the UK to invest in battery research and development facilities. With the support of Huntingdonshire, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are uniquely positioned to lead the charge in clean energy and battery innovation.”
Cllr Chris Boden, Leader of Fenland District Council, said: “Fenland makes a vital contribution to the economic growth of our region, so I’m delighted we had an opportunity to showcase its strengths at this important parliamentary event.
“With our rich agricultural resources, thriving industries, and prime location, Fenland is a natural hub for investment, innovation, and sustainable growth.
“As we build momentum towards UKREiiF 2025, I’m excited to work with partners to highlight the immense opportunities in our district and ensure a prosperous future for our businesses and communities.”
Councillor Lucy Nethsingha, Leader of Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “The parliamentary reception has been a fantastic opportunity to highlight the unique strengths and opportunities within Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
“Our region is at the forefront of innovation and economic growth and events like this help us strengthen partnerships, attract investment, and address the key challenges we face.
‘Driving Growth for the UK: The Pivotal Role of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’ Parliamentary reception. Mayor Dr Nik Johnson (right) with Combined Authority chief executive Rob Bridge“By working together across public and private sectors we can ensure sustainable growth that benefits our communities and contributes to the wider UK economy. We now look ahead to UKREiiF 2025 where we will further showcase why our region is such an exciting place to invest and do business.”
Cllr Peter McDonald, South Cambridgeshire District Council’s Lead Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said: “Attending this Westminster event was a powerful reminder of how Cambridgeshire is pivotal in becoming a driving force in the UK’s economy.
“Our region is a beacon of innovation, attracting world-class talent and investment. This in turn creates high-quality jobs, drives local prosperity, and ensures opportunities are accessible to everyone in our communities. This growth can help raise living standards, strengthen communities, and build a brighter future for people across the region.”
Cllr Elisa Meschini, Chair of the Greater Cambridge Partnership, said: “This week’s event highlighted yet again how working together across our partners whether they are in the public or private sector, will deliver the economic growth required to support our communities. This means delivering the infrastructure, jobs and homes needed to ensure our residents both now and in the years to come.”
Cllr Dennis Jones, Leader of Peterborough City Council said: “The event at Westminster was a fantastic opportunity to highlight the incredible potential of Peterborough.
“By bringing together our regional partners, we showcased Peterborough’s strength in innovation, infrastructure, and economic growth.
“This collaboration is essential for driving forward our vision of a prosperous and inclusive future for all residents.”
