Cambridge Ahead

🌟 Cambridge Ahead Event 🌟 A huge thank you to all our members who attended our AGM this morning. Your participation is vital to our collective success. We were delighted to have Peter Freeman, the Chair of the Cambridge Growth Company, and Deborah Prentice, Vice Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, speak on the importance of inclusive growth and sustainable infrastructure on the back of last week’s budget which continued to highlight Cambridge as a driver of UK innovation. Special thanks to Andy Brown of London Stansted Airport from our Board for chairing this session. Dan Thorp, CEO of Cambridge Ahead, reflected on the event, emphasising, "The focus on infrastructure is critical as we continue to shape the future of Cambridge. It aligns perfectly with the work we are doing to ensure good growth that improves quality of life. We are immensely thankful for the continued support and contributions of our members. Your engagement and insights are what drive our mission forward, and together, we can achieve impactful and sustainable growth for Cambridge and the wider region."  #Ecosystem #GoodGrowth #FutureOfCambridge

🌟 AI Enhancing Community Engagement 🌟 Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service, in partnership with the University of Liverpool, is developing a new AI tool to transform public feedback on planning policies. Funded by the PropTech Innovation Fund, this initiative will streamline and enhance community engagement. This innovative approach aims to provide faster, more efficient analysis of public comments, ensuring that community voices are accurately represented in planning decisions. Discover more about this groundbreaking project: https://bit.ly/3Ah9l1J #AIInnovation #CommunityEngagement #Planning

We're thrilled that the Government is investing in helping Cambridge reach its full growth potential, with a particular focus on overcoming the infrastructure gap. It is a major step forward that, following this Budget, action will now be taken to progress East West Rail in full to Cambridge.   Dan Thorp, CEO of Cambridge Ahead, said, "The announcements made today in this Government’s first Budget are a significant milestone for Cambridge. Government’s investment into realising Cambridge’s full potential, and action taken to deliver East West Rail in full, underscore growing national recognition that a successful Cambridge economy is good for the whole of the UK.   Cambridge Ahead will continue working closely with Government and Local Authorities to make sure that transformational infrastructure is delivered, and the benefits of growth are spread to more communities, as quickly as possible".   Thank you to all CA Members for your continuous contribution to our advocacy on these big issues. Collectively, and as part of a wider ecosystem, we are making a strong case for the investment and policy that will unlock sustainable and inclusive growth in the Cambridge city region, and beyond. #AutumnBudget #EastWestRail #Infrastructure #EconomicGrowth

🌟 Boosting Skills 🌟 Exciting news from the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority! The Mayor, Nik Johnson, has announced an additional £2.4 million for the Skills Bootcamp programme, aimed at supporting local people in securing good jobs. These bootcamps offer sector-specific skills training and fast-track participants to interviews with local employers. Since 2021, these bootcamps have been crucial in helping residents gain employment, with 66% securing job interviews and 44% progressing into employment. The new funding will expand offerings in Green Skills, Finance, Mental Health, and more. This fantastic collaboration between employers, learning providers, and the Combined Authority is set to commence in November 2024. Don’t miss this opportunity to upskill and advance your career! Find out more: https://bit.ly/4e6NwQ2 #SkillsBootcamp #LocalGrowth #JobOpportunities

🔍 Inclusive Growth - New Research 🔍   We're excited to share the Bennett Institute for Public Policy's latest report on making innovation more inclusive.   Alongside partners from Manchester and Cambridge, our CEO Dan Thorp contributed to this research that emphasises the need for coordinated efforts and data-driven approaches to ensure that innovation benefits all communities and addresses regional disparities.   Inclusive growth is at the heart of Cambridge Ahead's programme of research, policy development, and partnership working.   Read the full report from the Bennett Institute here: https://bit.ly/3NBxRxt   #InclusiveInnovation #EconomicGrowth #CommunityImpact #DataDriven

🔍 Live Local Policy 🔍 The 14-week consultation on bus services by Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority is closing on November 20. Your input will shape the future of bus franchising across our region. Don’t miss your chance to have a say! Share your thoughts here: https://ow.ly/Nnli50TMFww #CambridgeAhead #Travel #Bus #PublicTransport

🔍 Cambridge Ahead Insight 🔍   Yesterday's discussion on The News Agents podcast with the Environment Minister, Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE MP, highlights the critical issue of water scarcity as a barrier to Cambridge’s economic growth and future housing supply. Our 'Infrastructure Gap – Unlocking Cambridge’s Full Potential' work puts a spotlight on this issue and seeks to support the work of policymakers in addressing it. Listen to the podcast: https://bit.ly/3UnqJsd   New water infrastructure alongside more efficient use of water is vital for our region's sustainable development and economic growth.   At Cambridge Ahead, we're committed to finding solutions that ensure our community can thrive. Learn more about our efforts to address the infrastructure gap and the role of water infrastructure in supporting Cambridge’s good growth: https://bit.ly/48iKlU6  #InfrastructureGap #SustainableDevelopment #WaterScarcity

🔍 Live Local Policy 🔍 Cambridge City Council has published feedback on the future of the Guildhall, Corn Exchange, Market Square, and surrounding public spaces. Over 900 respondents shared their thoughts during the summer engagement programme. Key feedback: - Market Square: Calls to deter anti-social behaviour, improve accessibility, and enhance biodiversity. - Corn Exchange: Suggestions for community uses, including libraries, cafes, free seating areas, and affordable spaces for non-profits and community groups. - Public Spaces: A need for an overarching transport strategy, including pedestrianisation and cycle infrastructure. Updated proposals will be available next month for councillors to consider. Check out the engagement report and next steps here: https://ow.ly/SiXO50TMCE9 #CambridgeAhead #Transport #CivicQuarter #Infrastructure

🌟 Cambridge Ahead Member News! 🌟 The The Cambridge Building Society's Rent to Home scheme is making a real difference for first-time buyers who can afford to rent but struggle to save a deposit. Recent winners have shared how this innovative initiative will transform their lives - https://ow.ly/FTX750TPGLW. Through Rent to Home, successful applicants rent a newly refurbished property for up to three years and receive 70% of their rent back to help with a future home deposit. This impactful scheme was also explored by our Young Advisory Committee in its second Housing Tribes report. Learn more: https://ow.ly/JzvJ50TPGLV #CambridgeAhead #Housing #Renting #HomeOwnership

🌟 Community Boost! 🌟 Exciting news! South Cambridgeshire District Council is offering grants of up to £20,000 to support projects that enhance our local communities. Part of the new Improving the High Street grant scheme, this initiative aims to rejuvenate local high streets, encourage residents to shop locally, and attract new businesses to the area. The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority leads this fund, while South Cambridgeshire District Council manages the grant scheme delivery and allocation. Discover how to apply and make a difference in your community: https://ow.ly/6KTl50TMz1w #CambridgeAhead #CommunitySupport #LocalGrowth #ShopLocal