‘Team Cambridgeshire’ call for growth at Parliamentary reception
‘Team Cambridgeshire’ led the call for growth in the county at a Parliamentary reception held in Westminster this week.
The team made up of civic leaders, including Mayor of Cambridgeshire Dr Nik Johnson, business leaders, and MPs from the area, were there to highlight the crucial role Cambridgeshire has in contributing to economic growth.
The event united business leaders, politicians, and infrastructure experts to discuss the region’s future national growth strategies.
It featured high-profile panellists from AstraZeneca, ARU Peterborough, Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce, Cambridge Delivery Group and England's Economic Heartlands, 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-ups, local government, the National Wealth Fund, MPs and national stakeholder organisations – each playing a vital role within their industry in advancing Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s strategic growth objectives.
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.
The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority 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 Johnson said: “Growth in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is essential to achieving better living standards, higher wages and more opportunities for our residents. 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.
“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 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. 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 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.”