The purpose of the Review is to help the greater Cambridgeshire and Peterborough area consider the case for greater fiscal devolution and powers to unlock the delivery of major infrastructure, including showing how the area delivers benefits to the rest of UK. It will provide a clear understanding of the priorities to assist local stakeholders unite behind a common strategy.
Of John’s inclusion, Dame Kate Barker, who leads the Commission said: “The differences in economic performance across the Combined Authority area are clear. John’s experience brings not just knowledge of East Cambridge but also operations across Fenland, and this will be instrumental in developing a robust view of the whole region. We are delighted that he has agreed to join the Commission.”
John’s impact will also benefit the broader region as it embraces a vibrantly diverse and growing cluster. John commented: “The recent Industrial Strategy and Science and Innovation Audit has strongly focussed on agriculture and AgriTech. Being able to leverage our existing expertise at G’s Fresh across the broader region, as well as raise the potential of a new cluster for the region is very exciting.
“I am delighted to join a commission that consists of nationally-recognised experts, to provide a business perspective that addresses two of the key regions covered in the report.”
The review is jointly funded by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, The GCGP LEP and by Cambridge Ahead, which represents some of the most influential organisations in the Cambridge region.
About the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Independent Economic Review (CPIER)
The purpose of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Independent Economic Review (CPIER) is to create a single strategic position to help the greater Cambridgeshire and Peterborough area consider the case for greater fiscal devolution and powers to unlock the delivery of major infrastructure, including showing how the area delivers benefits to the rest of UK. It will provide a clear understanding of the priorities which can help business and political leaders in the area to unite behind a common strategy.
The Review will consider how a coherent economic growth strategy can be developed for the whole sub-regional economy, encompassing Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and the relationship with adjacent local authority areas in the Local Enterprise Partnership area. It will be used by the Combined Authority and the LEP to inform the development of the Local Industrial Strategy and associated investments.
About Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority
In November 2016, all eight organisations agreed to pursue the devolution deal made with Central Government. Following the signing of the Order by Communities Secretary, Sajid Javid, the first official meeting of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority took place on 20th March 2017.
The Combined Authority is made up of representatives from eight organisations. These are Cambridge City Council, Cambridgeshire County Council, East Cambridgeshire District Council, Fenland District Council, Huntingdonshire District Council, Peterborough City Council, South Cambridgeshire District Council and the Greater Cambridge, Greater Peterborough Local Enterprise Partnership (GCGP LEP).
On 5th May 2017 James Palmer was elected to be Mayor of the Combined Authority.
About The Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough Local Enterprise Partnership
The Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough Local Enterprise Partnership (GCGP LEP) helps to overcome the key barriers to economic growth. Covering Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Rutland, West Suffolk, West Norfolk, Uttlesford, South Kesteven, and South Holland it is driving forward economic growth across the area.
About Cambridge Ahead
Cambridge Ahead is a business and academic member group dedicated to the successful growth of Cambridge and its region in the long term. Its vision for Cambridge is to be the pre-eminent small city in the world. The group aims to represent the city’s business community and its partners who share its vision, by offering soundly-based opinion and be an advocate for Cambridge to local and national governments about the opportunities and needs of the region. Cambridge Ahead are politically non-aligned. Some of the largest and most influential organisations in the Cambridge region make up Cambridge Ahead’s membership, including ARM, AstraZeneca, Addenbrookes and Marshall of Cambridge.