The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority is hosting a parliamentary reception on Monday 27 January, to unite national and regional politicians, business leaders and infrastructure experts. This event aims to showcase the region’s pivotal role in driving the UK’s economic growth.

The high-profile Westminster event is titled: “Driving Growth for the UK: The Pivotal Role of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough”, and is co-sponsored by Andrew Pakes, MP for Peterborough and Sam Carling, MP for North West Cambridgeshire.

It will feature insights from leading figures in advanced manufacturing, agri-tech, education and life sciences, whilst highlighting the region’s strengths in innovation, growing infrastructure and skills development.

The action-packed agenda includes panel discussions, spotlights on future inward investment opportunities and the importance of addressing critical challenges like housing, transport and workforce development in the region to promote growth.

The event will attract a diverse array of leaders from both public and private sectors across the region. Attendees include council leaders, world-leading education experts from the University of Cambridge and ARU Peterborough, as well as infrastructure and biodiversity specialists from Anglian Water. Each guest plays a crucial role within their industry to contribute to the region’s efforts to drive national growth.

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Mayor Dr Nik Johnson said:

“Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is a world-leading region that drives the UK’s economy, and I’m proud that we’ve brought the region to Westminster to showcase our potential on a global scale. We have a unique opportunity to collaborate with industry experts, politicians and business leaders in parliament, so this reception will allow us to work in partnership and build momentum and enthusiasm for UKREiiF 2025 in May. A huge thank you to our MPs Andrew Pakes and Sam Carling for co-sponsoring the event, and a big thank you to Westminster for allowing us to put Cambridgeshire and Peterborough on the map in the House of Commons.”

Leader of Cambridgeshire County Council, Councillor Lucy Nethsingha said:

"This event and its focus on Cambridgeshire and Peterborough showcases why our world-class economy is a key driver of the UK economy. By bringing together key local and national partners we can demonstrate the region's strengths and explore new opportunities for sustainable economic growth. Councils also have a key role to play in ensuring local people have the right skills needed by industry, so they can benefit from growth, while we must also attract skilled workers from outside the region to meet growing demand. We cannot be complacent about Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s position as a powerhouse in the UK economy and our global reputation as a hub of outstanding innovation. We need initiatives like this and strong partnerships to continue driving economic growth and boosting jobs. This is an exciting time; I am confident that our collective efforts will continue to drive prosperity for the UK and deliver for local people."

Cllr Mike Davey, Leader of Cambridge City Council, said:

“This event is a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate how the region’s unique ecosystem continues to be a massive driver for a successful national economy. With success and growth come new issues to tackle. At Cambridge City Council we’re proud to be tackling them head-on, including through our successful programme to build additional homes; our support for sustainable transport and our work to become a net zero carbon city. By continuing to work with local and national partners on innovative solutions we can ensure all our residents share in the region’s future prosperity.”

Cllr Anna Bailey, Leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council, said:

“East Cambridgeshire plays a vital role in the region’s economy and its growth opportunities. This is seen through its growth in sectors such as advanced manufacturing and specialised industries. It also plays a vital role in the UKs food sector through both food production and its agri-tech industries and has a strong visitor economy.

“This partnership event provides us with a unique opportunity to unlock the potential of East Cambridgeshire and its local communities and showcase it as a great place to live, work and play.”

Cllr Chris Boden, Leader of Fenland District Council, said:

“Fenland is proud to be a key player in the economic growth of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. With almost half of England’s most productive agricultural land, a vibrant food processing sector and thriving engineering, manufacturing and renewable industries, the district is a natural hub for sustainable growth and innovation. Our strong business networks and affordable land and housing within easy reach of Cambridge and Peterborough also make Fenland an ideal location for expanding businesses and relocators. Being identified as an investment destination by the Combined Authority’s Inward Investment Team, alongside transformative plans such as Anglian Water’s Fens Reservoir, underscores the immense opportunities available in Fenland. We’re looking forward to working with our partners to build on these strengths and playing a pivotal role in driving the UK’s economic growth and prosperity.”

Cllr Elisa Meschini, chair of the Greater Cambridge Partnership, said:

“Our region is the engine of ideas and economic activity in the UK. The companies and ideas which are based throughout the county our global leaders in their field – from hi tech to life sciences. Our challenge is to make sure we provide our residents with the chance to access the opportunities which our growth brings, which is why public and private sector leaders are coming together to collaborate.”

Cllr Sarah Conboy, Executive Leader at Huntingdonshire District Council, said:

“Huntingdonshire is proud to play a key role in driving economic growth that can benefit Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. This event is an important step in building partnerships and momentum ahead of UKREiiF 2025.”

Councillor Dennis Jones, Leader of Peterborough City Council, said:

“Our region has a key role to play in accelerating economic growth nationally. As the fourth fastest growing city in the country, Peterborough really is a city of opportunity for people. We’ve come together to showcase this with leaders in their respective fields. I look forward to attending UKREiiF 2025 this May to update industry experts, policymakers and business leaders on what’s been happening in our patch. Continued collaboration with key partners is vital to deliver growth and regeneration, helping turn visions into realities.”

South Cambridgeshire District Council’s Lead Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Cllr Peter McDonald, said:

“South Cambridgeshire sits at the heart of one of the most economically successful and fast-growing areas in the UK. We are fortunate to be home to world-leading centres of science and technology and more than 8,000 businesses. Ensuring growth is well managed to create a place where people want to live, work, and learn is a key challenge for us and UKREIFF is a unique forum for these discussions. We’ve a keen focus on the opportunities that continue to be offered locally – and last year were pleased to host an AgriTech forum in partnership with the Combined Authority.”

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