Cambridgeshire and Peterborough unite ahead of UKREiiF to spotlight regional potential in driving economic growth

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority is hosting an event titled: ‘Driving Growth for the UK' in Cambridge on Friday 14 March to showcase how the region is accelerating economic growth.

Attendees will gain valuable insights from leading experts across various fields, with a focus on the region's strengths in innovation, expanding infrastructure and skills development. The agenda features engaging panel discussions and conversations on Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor opportunities, effects of Chancellor announcements such as the new Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital, and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough's impact at UKREiiF.

A diverse array of leaders from public and private sectors will be in attendance, with every guest contributing their expertise to the region's ongoing efforts to bolster national growth.

Following the success of the high-profile Westminster event last month, co-sponsored by Andrew Pakes, MP for Peterborough and Sam Carling, MP for North West Cambridgeshire, the ‘Driving Growth for the UK' series aims to bring together a diverse leaders from various sectors to tackle challenges like transport and housing, promoting growth ahead of UKREiiF in May.

For details about attending the event, contact comms@cambridgeshirepeterborough-ca.gov.uk.

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Mayor Dr Nik Johnson said:

“I'm delighted that we are hosting another ‘Driving Growth for the UK' event following the great success and positive feedback from our Westminster event last month. By localising this event, we aim to sustain our momentum and highlight the importance of economic growth.

“Cambridge and Peterborough stand as a world-leading region with immense potential to contribute to the UK's economy. Our collaboration and partnership with industry experts and business leaders is essential to ensure our residents have the jobs and homes they need to thrive.”

Katy Davies, Managing Director of Cap Air Systems Limited, said:

“Driving growth isn't just about investment and infrastructure - it's about ensuring businesses, communities, and talent can thrive together.

“I'm delighted to be part of this important conversation at ‘Driving Growth for the UK,' where we'll be exploring the critical role of innovation, skills, and industry collaboration in shaping an inclusive and prosperous future for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

“As a region with global strengths, we have a unique opportunity to lead the way in sustainable, inclusive economic growth, and I look forward to discussing how we turn ambition into action.”

Orestis Tzortzoglou, BioMed Realty Vice President, Head of UK Market, said:

“I'm delighted to be attending the ‘Driving Growth for the UK' event hosted by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority next Friday. BioMed Realty remains committed to the region as we continue investing significant capital, bringing forward critical real estate infrastructure that serves the Life Science and Technology sectors. The region remains a world leader in so many fields that will be critical in the government's mission to grow the Economy.”

Dr Uday Phadke, Director of Research and Development Society, said:

“I am delighted to participate in the Driving Growth event organised by CPCA in Cambridge on 14^th March. In my keynote I will be talking about how the region is well-placed to build companies with global scale - and the things we need to focus on to make that happen faster.”

Tammy Dougan, Life Science and Healthcare Partnership Lead, said:

“It is a privilege the join the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority event ‘Driving Growth for the UK' where I look forward to joining the panel discussions around Driving the modern Industrial Strategy: bold future for Life Sciences and innovation. I am keen to discuss the importance of building strategically important partnerships across the Cambridge Life science Ecosystem leading to collaborations with Global impact, whilst acknowledging the importance of attracting talent to drive this future growth.”

Senior Development Director of Newlands Developments, John Barker, said:

“I am delighted to be participating in one of the panel discussions at “the Driving Growth for the UK” event hosted by the CPCA. I look forward to sharing my insights into the value of logistics, the pivotal role it plays in driving growth in a region and supporting the life sciences sector.”

Andy Neely, Professor of Manufacturing at University of Cambridge and Board Member, Innovate Cambridge, said:

“I'm really looking forward to the event - Driving Growth for UK. Bringing together key stakeholders from across the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough region to discuss how innovation will enable our collective future success is a critical and timely conversation”.

Nick Kirby Managing Director at Cambridge Biomedical Campus, said:

“The UK already has a wealth of talent and capabilities across health innovation and life sciences. With the depth of expertise within our region, there is so much more we can achieve for people across the globe, from Wisbech to Warsaw, and beyond. Convening and working together allows us to demonstrate agency in making the UK the best place in the world for innovators, with an ecosystem where partnership between public and private sectors will thrive”

Jess Cunningham, Transport Advisor - Strategic Projects University of Cambridge said:

"The ongoing success of the Cambridge region lies in the partnerships and collaborations that emerge from events like this. Vision and ambition are key to delivering the essential infrastructure that connects our communities—and it all starts with a conversation. I'm grateful to be part of these discussions, not just today but as our region evolves. It is a chance to create the connected communities that future generations will be thankful for”

Charlotte Horobin, CEO of Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce, , said:

For the UK to achieve its growth targets, every region must play its part. Cambridgeshire and Peterborough will play a critical role to underpin growth not just for our local businesses and communities, but for those up and down the country. Long-term success depends on strategic investment in local talent, infrastructure, and business support. Through initiatives like the Local Skills Improvement Plan, we're ensuring businesses can access the skills they need to thrive, strengthening our region as a powerhouse for economic growth.