How do we ensure that growth is inclusive?
That question set the tone at the Innovate Cambridge Summit on 23 October - the same day the Government announced an initial £400 million investment package to support Greater Cambridge’s long-term growth.
Reflecting on the theme of inclusive growth, Lord Vallance emphasised that innovation, by its very nature, requires inclusivity and depends on the diversity of people, talent and thought. Without inclusivity, he suggested, growth cannot truly succeed.
He added that the Government was determined to back Cambridge as a world-leading innovation cluster, recognising the benefits of the city’s unique science and technology ecosystem for the wider UK.
The announcement was hailed as a major milestone in the region’s mission to deliver sustainable, inclusive and high-quality growth, and a reflection of the strong collaboration already underway between local and national partners to unlock Greater Cambridge’s full potential.
As part of the announcement, the Government confirmed its intention to consult on a centrally led development corporation for Greater Cambridge as a route to achieving its ambitions. Government will publish further information on the consultation in due course.
Housing and Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook MP said the government’s plans build on the work of the Cambridge Growth Company under Peter Freeman’s leadership. Acknowledging Cambridge’s status as a global centre of excellence and innovation, he stressed the need for growth to be inclusive and encouraged local leaders and communities to engage with the forthcoming consultation once it opens to help shape the proposals.
Peter Freeman CBE, Chair of the Cambridge Growth Company (CGC), welcomed the announcement as a pivotal step towards addressing long-standing barriers to growth and creating a more liveable, resilient city region.
“My role is to help crack any physical problem – water, transport, power – but our overarching ambition should be for Greater Cambridge to become one of the most liveable places in Europe,” he said.
That message - growth that benefits everyone - ran through the day’s discussions. Cllr Cameron Holloway, Leader of Cambridge City Council, underlined the importance of inclusion as an economic imperative.
“The need for an inclusive economy isn’t just altruistic – it’s vital for a sustainable economy in Cambridge. We want the area to continue to lead the way, but we need to make sure everyone thrives and has access to opportunity.”
He highlighted the Cambridge Pledge as a key mechanism for action:
“It’s about giving people the best possible start, with clear pathways to skills, training and job opportunities. This is beneficial for people who are struggling, but also beneficial to everyone here.”
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Mayor Paul Bristow said the Government’s announcement reflected the strength of partnership across the region.
“This announcement didn’t happen by accident. We need to show Government what good growth looks like – delivering good jobs and affordable homes. The plan must be ambitious not just for Greater Cambridge, but for the wider region and the whole country.”
Closing the event, Kathryn Chapman, Executive Director of Innovate Cambridge, called on partners to maintain momentum.
“This is a rallying call to deliver growth that is faster, bolder and fairer.”
The Cambridge Growth Company is already working with partners to turn these ambitions into action - helping shape a future for Greater Cambridge that is innovative, sustainable and inclusive.
Read A Place of National and Global Significance - our overview of the positive interventions made to date and our vision for supporting communities and businesses across Greater Cambridge in the future.
Photo credit: David Johnson / Innovate Cambridge
That question set the tone at the Innovate Cambridge Summit on 23 October - the same day the Government announced an initial £400 million investment package to support Greater Cambridge’s long-term growth.
Reflecting on the theme of inclusive growth, Lord Vallance emphasised that innovation, by its very nature, requires inclusivity and depends on the diversity of people, talent and thought. Without inclusivity, he suggested, growth cannot truly succeed.
He added that the Government was determined to back Cambridge as a world-leading innovation cluster, recognising the benefits of the city’s unique science and technology ecosystem for the wider UK.
The announcement was hailed as a major milestone in the region’s mission to deliver sustainable, inclusive and high-quality growth, and a reflection of the strong collaboration already underway between local and national partners to unlock Greater Cambridge’s full potential.
As part of the announcement, the Government confirmed its intention to consult on a centrally led development corporation for Greater Cambridge as a route to achieving its ambitions. Government will publish further information on the consultation in due course.
Housing and Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook MP said the government’s plans build on the work of the Cambridge Growth Company under Peter Freeman’s leadership. Acknowledging Cambridge’s status as a global centre of excellence and innovation, he stressed the need for growth to be inclusive and encouraged local leaders and communities to engage with the forthcoming consultation once it opens to help shape the proposals.
Peter Freeman CBE, Chair of the Cambridge Growth Company (CGC), welcomed the announcement as a pivotal step towards addressing long-standing barriers to growth and creating a more liveable, resilient city region.
“My role is to help crack any physical problem – water, transport, power – but our overarching ambition should be for Greater Cambridge to become one of the most liveable places in Europe,” he said.
That message - growth that benefits everyone - ran through the day’s discussions. Cllr Cameron Holloway, Leader of Cambridge City Council, underlined the importance of inclusion as an economic imperative.
“The need for an inclusive economy isn’t just altruistic – it’s vital for a sustainable economy in Cambridge. We want the area to continue to lead the way, but we need to make sure everyone thrives and has access to opportunity.”
He highlighted the Cambridge Pledge as a key mechanism for action:
“It’s about giving people the best possible start, with clear pathways to skills, training and job opportunities. This is beneficial for people who are struggling, but also beneficial to everyone here.”
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Mayor Paul Bristow said the Government’s announcement reflected the strength of partnership across the region.
“This announcement didn’t happen by accident. We need to show Government what good growth looks like – delivering good jobs and affordable homes. The plan must be ambitious not just for Greater Cambridge, but for the wider region and the whole country.”
Closing the event, Kathryn Chapman, Executive Director of Innovate Cambridge, called on partners to maintain momentum.
“This is a rallying call to deliver growth that is faster, bolder and fairer.”
The Cambridge Growth Company is already working with partners to turn these ambitions into action - helping shape a future for Greater Cambridge that is innovative, sustainable and inclusive.
Read A Place of National and Global Significance - our overview of the positive interventions made to date and our vision for supporting communities and businesses across Greater Cambridge in the future.
Photo credit: David Johnson / Innovate Cambridge