Author: Benjamin Williams
District Councils across Cambridgeshire & Peterborough are now accepting applications for additional business support grants
The six District Councils across Cambridgeshire & Peterborough are now accepting applications for their respective Additional Business Support Grant schemes. Resource has been made available from Central Government for District Councils across the region to help those businesses which are not eligible for the Local Restriction Support Grant but are still severely impacted by the […]
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Mayor and Business Board Chairman react to the Government’s Skills for Jobs White Paper
The Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough has welcomed the Government’s “bold and ambitious” Skills for Jobs White Paper and the Chairman of the Business Board has said he is delighted the paper puts “the needs of businesses at the heart of further education”. The Skills for Jobs White Paper sets out landmark reforms that will […]
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Independent Commission on Public Service Reform (CPICPSR) report published recommending health is put at the heart of every decision in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
An independent report, commissioned by the Mayor James Palmer, argues that post-Covid, the area’s health and care system must change to provide a more joined-up, local system that invests in prevention and brings services closer to the people of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. The report has been made public as the result of a Freedom of […]
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Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority and Photocentric to deliver Manufacturing and Materials Research and Development Centre
A £16.47m partnership between the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority and Peterborough-based business Photocentric will link academia and industry to establish skills and learning in the second phase of the development of ARU Peterborough. Through a joint venture company, the Combined Authority and Photocentric will deliver an innovative Manufacturing and Materials Research & Development Centre […]
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Principal Appointed to Lead ARU Peterborough
Professor Ross Renton has been appointed as Principal of ARU Peterborough and will take up his new role on 15 February. Construction work on the new £30million university – a partnership between the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, Peterborough City Council and Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) – began at the Embankment site in December. ARU […]
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£4.5m funding for 113 affordable homes in East Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire and Peterborough
Today the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority housing committee gave approval on 4.5 million of grant funding to help create 113 new affordable homes across East Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire, and Peterborough. The housing committee gave approval for: A grant from the Combined Authority’s £100m Affordable Housing Programme of £1,576,000 was approved for 38 homes, 28 at […]
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Mayoral statement on closure of Debenhams warehouse in Peterborough
Responding to the closure of the Debenhams warehouse Mayor James Palmer said: “I am working with local leaders to ensure that the Combined Authority and its partners delivers a strong and robust package of support for those affected by the closure of the Debenhams warehouse in Peterborough. “Through the Growth Hub, our skills service and in […]
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Three suppliers chosen to develop innovative concept designs to push forward pioneering CAM scheme
Three outstanding suppliers have been selected to develop bold, innovative conceptual designs to help inform and potentially transform the delivery of the Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro (CAM). The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority has challenged the best of the market to propose technologies, innovations, designs, operational systems and commercial ideas which could provide an in-the-round solution […]
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Mayor backs An Hour to Skill campaign
A new campaign which aims to boost the nation’s skills and job prospects by inspiring people to set aside just one hour a week for online learning, by taking a free course from The Skills Toolkit, has been backed by Mayor James Palmer. The Skills Toolkit is an online platform giving access to free, high-quality digital, […]
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Work begins on new £100K homes
Work has begun on four new £100K Homes in South Cambridgeshire, which will be available to local working people for £100,000 by the end of this year. The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority led by Mayor James Palmer is working with Laragh Homes to bring forward four new £100K Homes on the land to the North of Linton Road, Great Abington. […]
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Business Bulletin: Issue Number 47
The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Growth Hub have teamed up with YTKO to deliver a fully funded start-up course for people looking to launch, or have just launched their own business. We know how inspiring the idea of working for yourself can be, but also that managing your own business can sometimes be daunting […]
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Business Bulletin: Issue Number 46
£4.6 billion in new lockdown grants to support businesses and protect jobs The Chancellor has announced additional support to help businesses impacted by new lockdown restrictions get through until spring. Support includes one-off top up grants for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses worth up to £9,000 per property to help businesses through to the Spring. […]
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Mayor’s statement on Covid vaccinations and the new national lockdown
“Despite news of the Covid vaccinations and increasing numbers of people being vaccinated, the spread of the new variant Covid 19 has already led to rapidly escalating case numbers across our region and I recognise and understand the Government’s concerns and the need for this inevitable nationwide lockdown. I am asking for a clear timetable […]
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Fenland market town scoops millions for high street regeneration, helped by Combined Authority
March has been awarded £6.4million from the Government to help implement a “once in a generation” transformation of the town centre. Robert Jenrick, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, announced on Boxing Day that March is among the areas in England which will receive a share of £830 million from the […]
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Business Bulletin: Issue Number 45
A message from the Business Secretary I am delighted that we have agreed a deal with the European Union and I am confident that the United Kingdom will thrive outside the EU and cement its position as the best place in the world to start, grow and run a business. The deal with the EU […]
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Mayor Blog overview of the year 2020
Few will be sad to see the back of 2020, but I want to finish this year by highlighting those things of which I am so proud. Covid-19 has had a hideous impact on so many lives, but what the team at the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority has achieved this year has been incredible. […]
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Business Bulletin: Issue Number 44
Businesses that can and cannot open in Tier 4 areas The following businesses must close: Non-essential retain – these venues can continue to be able to operate click-and-collect and delivery services Hospitality venues such as cafes, restaurants, pubs, bars and social clubs; with the exception of providing food and drink for takeaway (until 11pm), click-and-collect, […]
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Tier 4 support for businesses and self-employed people from the Growth Hub
The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority Growth Hub has launched a comprehensive support offering for businesses affected by the introduction of tier 4 restrictions, including the recruitment of additional staff to provide phone-based, high-quality, un-biased business resilience advice to business owners having to close or substantially curtail, their operations. The additional staff will give the […]
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Major milestone for Community Land Trust as keys handed over to final four affordable homes for local people
A pioneering East Cambridgeshire Community Land Trust (CLT) set up by local people to build more affordable homes in their community, has passed a major milestone with the final four of its 23 properties now completed and occupied. The affordable homes at the Stretham and Wilburton Community Land Trust’s (SWCLT) Manor Farm development in Stretham are allocated to those with strong connections to the […]
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Business Bulletin: Issue Number 43
Business that can and cannot open now Peterborough has been placed in Tier 4 As a response to a rapid rise in infections attributed to the rapid spread of a new variant 0of COVID-19, tougher restrictions have been introduced for Peterborough, with a new Tier 4: ‘Stay at Home’ alert level, that came into force […]
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Mayor’s Tier 4 Statement
“This evening I spoke with Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Robert Jenrick MP, following the Prime Minister’s statement moving Peterborough into Tier 4 from midnight tonight. I repeated my concern about the need for Government to support business, their staff and families affected by these new measures to avoid undue hardship. […]
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A look inside the first £100K Homes
For the first time, the public get to look inside the first £100K Homes as James Palmer, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough releases exclusive photos of the recently completed properties in Fordham. Despite construction setbacks this year due to Covid-19, the eight £100K homes have been delivered by Hill development in time for Christmas and […]
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Free Wifi gives Huntingdonshire market towns a pre-Christmas boost
Supported with funding from the mayoral Combined Authority, free public access Wifi is now live in Huntingdonshire market towns, bringing a welcome pre-Christmas boost for local businesses and residents. The CambWifi network has been extended by Cambridgeshire County Council’s Connecting Cambridgeshire programme, with the support of Huntingdonshire District Council, and additional funding for market towns […]
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Mayor joins workforce on site of Soham’s new station
Mayor James Palmer this week visited the site of the new railway station at Soham which is being funded with £18.6m from the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority which he leads. Network Rail staff and construction workers from the contractor J Murphy and Sons showed Mayor Palmer around the site where early construction work is […]
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Business Bulletin: Issue 42
What you can and cannot do in an area in Tier 3 Peterborough will be subject to the toughest coronavirus restrictions from Saturday, December 19th. Hospitality settings, such as bars, pubs, cafes, restaurants, and social clubs must close except for takeaway, delivery and click and collect services. This includes restaurants and bars within hotels or […]
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March station to be revamped for passengers, thanks to Combined Authority funding
March rail station is to be remodelled, following public consultation, and with continued funding support for the scheme from Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority. The work will see Greater Anglia create an open-plan ticket hall and waiting area, accessible modern toilet facilities, retail outlets, and an upgraded and extended car park at the station. The […]
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Mayor’s statement on Peterborough moving to Tier 3 restrictions
I have been urging Government to fully consider the full impact on families and businesses before altering tiers in this region, and I am pleased that Government has listened to our case. That being said, I am deeply disappointed for the businesses and residents of Peterborough. Moving into Tier 3 will mean much stricter restrictions […]
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Mayor joins new 8-car Fen Line train that doubles seats for Cambridge, Ely, Littleport and Waterbeach passengers
Mayor of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, James Palmer, today joined passengers between Cambridge and King’s Lynn at the launch of the new double-length service that will boost seats on Fen Line trains from this Sunday 13 December. The first all-stations eight-carriage train did a run from Cambridge to King’s Lynn and back to the delight of […]
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Mayor James Palmer welcomes 400 free courses for adult leaders
James Palmer, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, has welcomed an announcement from the Department for Education confirming that tens of thousands of adults will be able to benefit from almost 400 free courses next year. The fully-funded courses are the first major development in the Lifetime Skills Guarantee, which was first announced by Central Government […]
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AgriGrub’s sustainable solution to food waste backed by the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority
A Soham-based business that is pioneering a sustainable solution to food waste in the UK has been backed by a £62,000 grant from the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority’s Eastern Agri-Tech Growth Initiative. AgriGrub uses waste fruit and vegetables from AMFresh which can’t be eaten by people or fed to livestock and feeds them to Black […]
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Business Bulletin: Issue Number 41
EU transition: 21 days to go From 1 January 2021 business that deal with Europe will have to follow new rules on exports, imports, tariffs, data and hiring. If that’s you, there’s action that need sorting. To keep your business moving, check what you need to do at gov.uk/transition today. Changes for businesses and citizens You need […]
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Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority to launch Electric bikes in Cambridge and Peterborough from January
From early January onwards, people in Cambridge and Peterborough city centres will be able to publicly hire electric bikes as they are rolled out by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority in collaboration with Voi Technology, the U.K.’s leading micro-mobility operator. From the 12th of January 2021, the public will be able to enjoy greener and healthier journeys on e-bikes, while remaining […]
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Groundbreaking ceremony marks start of ARU Peterborough construction work
A ceremonial spade in the ground event has marked the start of construction of ARU Peterborough, the city’s new £30 million university. The project is being driven by the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, in collaboration with Peterborough City Council and Anglia Ruskin University (ARU). The ambition for ARU Peterborough is to launch a job […]
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First £100K Homes to be offered at a discount of over a third of market value
Market rate valuations on the first eight £100K Homes at Fordham, Cambridgeshire have revealed they were offered to buyers at a discount rate of 35%. The ground floor flats were valued at £150K and the first-floor flats at £155K but will be sold to the prospective first buyers at £100,000. This means that all subsequent […]
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District Councils open additional restrictions support grant schemes
The six District Councils across Cambridgeshire & Peterborough are now accepting applications for their respective Additional Restrictions Support Grant schemes. Resource has been made available from Central Government for District Councils across the region to help those businesses which are not eligible for the Local Restriction Support Grant but are still severely impacted by the […]
Find out more2019-20 Combined Authority Final Statement of Accounts published
The Combined Authority is required to prepare an annual Statement of Accounts by the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015, in accordance with proper accounting practices. These practices are prescribed by the ‘Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in the United Kingdom’ and comply with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The purpose of the accounts […]
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Combined Authority invest £710,000 to support the recovery of Cambridge city centre
The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority have awarded a £710,000 Local Growth Fund grant to a partnership led by Cambridge City Council to support the recovery of Cambridge city centre from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The partnership bid involving the city council, Cambridge Business Improvement District, Fitzwilliam Museum (Enterprises) Ltd and Cambridgeshire County […]
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Business Board Chairman Reacts to Spending Review
Reacting to the Spending Review held on Wednesday, November 25th Austen Adams the Chairman of the Business Board said: “The Chancellor made some very exciting announcements in the spending review, which will help to accelerate and strength our recovery from COVID-19 across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. “It has been a tough year for business leaders, workers […]
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Five Non-Executive Directors to bring wealth of leadership experience to CAM delivery company
Five candidates with a combined wealth of experience delivering major projects, managing big budgets and with a record of exceptional leadership across business and the public sector, have been appointed as Non-Executive Directors of the Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro (CAM) delivery company. Their appointment was confirmed at the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority Board on Wednesday […]
Find out moreStatement from James Palmer, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
We have been informed that we will be moving into Tier 2 restrictions from 2nd December, and whilst I accept this, I understand the frustration and disappointment of so many households and businesses who have worked tirelessly to follow the government guidelines and go above and beyond to keep families and customers safe. The Combined Authority […]
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£900k to build final ‘Quick Wins’ for March – and deliver a kid’s crossing for Christmas
Children, cyclists and Christmas shoppers will be among the first to benefit from today’s decision by Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, led by Mayor James Palmer, to release almost a million pounds to start constructing the remaining ‘Quick Wins’ in the March Area Transport Study. Following the recommendation of its Transport and Infrastructure Committee, the […]
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Fenland and East Cambridgeshire proposals win market town funding
The Combined Authority Board has today approved Combined Authority funding for a raft of imaginative projects for market towns in Fenland and East Cambridgeshire. On the table was some £1.5 million for Chatteris, Ely, Soham and Whittlesey, all seeking to increase their pull for residents, visitors, and businesses. Future-proofing and history featured high on the […]
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Freeing up Fengate gets starter cash from Combined Authority
To help get Peterborough traffic moving and continue to unleash the city’s potential, the Board of the Combined Authority today approved £270,000 to push forward detailed design of the Fengate Phase 1 development. Thousands of jobs and better traffic flow will result, as the work will open up the Red Farm site as a major […]
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Fenland regeneration gathers pace in Manea and March with start on site and delivery date
In a major milestone to upgrade transport choice across Fenland, the Combined Authority Board has agreed funds to start construction at Manea and March railway stations and has set the end date for delivery. To accelerate this key Fenland Regeneration priority, Mayor James Palmer had asked the Board to sign off the outline business case […]
Find out moreConsultation on the draft 2021-22 Budget
The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority’s Draft Budget for 2021/22 and medium-term financial plan was approved for consultation purposes at the Combined Authority Board meeting held on 25th November 2020. The Combined Authority wants to hear the opinions of all residents, partner organisations, businesses and other interested parties as part of the budget setting process […]
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Business Bulletin: Issue Number 40
ACT NOW TO PREPARE YOUR BUSINESS FOR NEW RULES ON 01 JAN 2021 There are now under 50 days until the end of the transition period and the current rules on trading with the EU will no longer apply. Businesses will see changes whether the UK reaches an agreement with the EU or not. Regardless […]
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Mayor backs Fenland and East Cambridgeshire proposals for market town funding
Mayor James Palmer will this week ask the Combined Authority Board to approve Combined Authority funding for a raft of imaginative projects for market towns in Fenland and East Cambridgeshire. On the table, some £1.5 million for Chatteris, Ely, Soham and Whittlesey, all seeking to increase their pull for residents, visitors, and businesses. Future-proofing and […]
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Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority mastermind ‘Trojan Bus’ to help police catch bus vandals
The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, led by Mayor James Palmer, worked with Stagecoach and Cambridgeshire police to bring about the arrests of people vandalising buses in Cambridge, by masterminding the idea of a ‘Trojan Bus’, a normal bus running not in service containing plain clothes police offers, able to draw up alongside people unnoticed. After reports […]
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Five Non-Executive Directors for CAM delivery company recommended for appointment to drive forward pioneering transport scheme
The appointment of the first five Non-Executive Directors of the dedicated delivery company for the Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro (CAM) will be recommended to the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority Board next week. A detailed search has been undertaken to find outstanding candidates with a breadth of skills and experience to join the One CAM Limited […]
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Combined Authority progress report reaffirms commitment to economic recovery
In a confident report on the progress into its Devolution Deal with government, the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority provides strong evidence to the November Board that it is delivering on its twenty five year mission to double to region’s economy and is working for economic recovery following the Covid pandemic. The report, requested by the Combined Authority leaders back in October, provides an assessment on the 2017 Devolution Deal with the government. It shows significant progress on its ambitious long-term plans to deliver growth and public […]
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Business Bulletin: Issue Number 39
Potential Peer Networks Programme for business leaders The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority is considering launching a pilot of the Peer Networks programme which is funded by Central Government to support businesses across our region. Sponsored by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, the Peer Networks programme has a vision to create interactive […]
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Strong market response to CAM design challenge as innovative process moves to next phase
A challenge to the market to provide bold and innovative concept design solutions which could be instrumental to the future delivery of the Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro (CAM) has passed to its next stage after receiving an encouraging first phase response. The challenge was launched by the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority to test the market […]
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Planning permission granted for new ARU Peterborough development
Peterborough City Council has approved plans for a new state-of-the-art building which will be the home of ARU Peterborough, the city’s new £30 million university. The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, Peterborough City Council and Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) have all welcomed the decision to approve the proposals submitted by Mace Limited, supported by the planning consultants […]
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Last chance for public to have their say on most pressing climate issues for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough – survey closes in five days
Last chance for public to have their say on most pressing climate issues for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough – survey closes in five days The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Independent Commission on Climate, set up by James Palmer, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, is currently running an open public survey on the most pressing issues of climate […]
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Mill SciTech Park pre-planning application submitted
A pre-planning application for the development of the Mill SciTech Park, on the Hauxton Mill site in South Cambridgeshire has been submitted by o2h Group. The Cambridge-based business behind the project believes this marks an important step in the delivery of their exciting proposals which would see the creation of a state-of-the-art office and laboratory […]
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Ambitious CAM mission strategy wins backing of Combined Authority’s transport committee
A refreshed document setting out the bold strategic vision for the trailblazing Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro has passed a key stage for full adoption by the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority. The CAM Sub-Strategy is one of the ‘daughter’ documents of the Mayoral Combined Authority’s adopted Local Transport Plan and describes the economic, social and environmental […]
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Combined Authority aims to take the lead on delivering Kickstart Scheme for SMEs across the region
The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority is helping small and medium sized businesses across the region take advantage of the Government’s Kickstart Scheme. The £2 billion scheme aims to create hundreds of thousands of high-quality 6-month work placements to those aged 16 to 24 who are on Universal Credit and are deemed to be at […]
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Mayor welcomes Minister’s public support for £500 million Ely rail upgrade
Mayor James Palmer today welcomed the backing of minister Chris Heaton-Harris for the £500 million upgrade to railway infrastructure in the Ely area. Confirmation of the rail minister’s support for accelerating the project, despite its rising cost, was communicated to the Combined Authority at a meeting six weeks ago, and has now been shared publicly with industry specialists at the Rail Industry Association annual conference. The Ely area capacity enhancement – EACE – programme should […]
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Mayor to deliver over 450 new affordable homes for residents across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority led by Mayor James Palmer has today approved the spend of £19.1 million to create 453 new affordable homes over 13 sites for people right across the region. In 2017, the Combined Authority negotiated £100m of government funding to create 2,000 new affordable homes for people living in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough by March 2022. The 453 affordable homes announced today bring the Combined Authority significantly closer to this target. […]
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Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority work with Voi to provide 24/7 free scooter rides to NHS staff and Emergency Service workers
All NHS staff and Emergency Service workers can now make Voi scooter journeys in Cambridge, free of charge, 24/7 hours a day during the period of new national restrictions, set to be in place until 2nd December 2020. The Combined Authority, led by Mayor James Palmer, is also expanding the e-scooter operational zone in Cambridge to […]
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Business Bulletin: Issue Number 38
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme Extended Until March 2021 The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, also known as the furlough scheme, will now run until the end of March with employees receiving 80% of their current salary for hours not worked. The scheme was initially extended until 2 December, but the government is now going further so […]
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Fenland regeneration projects ‘going extremely well’
As improvement work on railway stations across Fenland pushes forward, transport committee members of the Combined Authority, which is paying for much of the upgrade, were updated today on progress. Councillor Chris Seaton, chair of the Fenland Regeneration Project Board, welcomed the pace of delivery as many of the projects have already been completed or […]
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Peterborough A605 improvements completed to benefit all road users
Improvements to a busy section of road in Peterborough have now been completed, benefiting motorists and pedestrians. Work to widen and enhance a stretch of the A605 between the A1 Alwalton junction and Lynch Wood got under way earlier this year and were completed this week., including a new environmentally-friendly footpath made of recycled rubber. […]
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Lancaster Way Roundabout improvements set for decision
Improvements to the Lancaster Way roundabout are set to be discussed at the Highways and Transport Committee next week (Tuesday, 10 November). Following improvements at the A10/A142 ‘BP’ roundabout nearby, where works were completed ahead of schedule last month, transport studies have shown that improvements at Lancaster Way roundabout will unlock further benefits – helping […]
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Mayor calls for new ‘dial-a-bus’ service, electronic ticketing, and additional bus route in Peterborough
Mayor James Palmer is seeking approval to trial a new ‘dial-a-bus’ style demand responsive transport service in West Huntingdonshire, along with a new bus route for Peterborough and the roll out of electronic ticketing across the county in a raft of new bus reforms going to the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Transport committee on […]
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£6.2m Haverhill EpiCentre officially opens
The EpiCentre in Haverhill, was opened at a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by local dignitaries on Monday November 2nd. Present at the opening of the innovation centre was Austen Adams Chairman of the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority Business Board, Councillor John Griffiths the leader of West Suffolk Council and Nic Rumsey, managing director of developer Jaynic. Already […]
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Mayor champions ‘Quick Wins’ funding for greener, safer March
Mayor James Palmer will this week urge the transport committee of the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority to back him in pushing forward to completion a raft of road improvements for the key Fenland market town of March. The Mayor is asking the Transport and Infrastructure Committee of the Combined Authority to give the go-ahead […]
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Business Bulletin: Issue Number 37
Furlough Scheme Extended Businesses across the UK are being provided with additional financial support following the Prime Minister’s announcement on further restrictions. The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) – also known as the Furlough scheme – will remain open until December, with employees receiving 80% of their current salary for hours not worked, up to […]
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Public to have say on climate change action across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Independent Commission on Climate, set up by James Palmer, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, has today launched a public survey on the most pressing issues of climate change across the region and what action should be taken. The survey can be accessed here and will run for three weeks from 26th October […]
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European Union Exit Webinars for Businesses
The UK left the EU on 31 January 2020 and businesses are being urged to prepare for the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020. To help your business prepare for the UK’s exit from the EU, The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority are pleased to offer the free webinar events listed below. […]
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Fieldwork Robotics Awarded £50,000 to Further Develop Fruit Picking Robot
Fieldwork Robotics have been awarded a grant of more than £50,000 towards a £100,000 project to further develop its autonomous robot. The Histon-based business has been supported with a grant from the Eastern Agri-Tech Growth Initiative, an initiative run by the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority. Fieldwork Robotics have already developed an autonomous robot that […]
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Business Bulletin: Issue Number 36
Increased support for jobs and workers The government today announced it will significantly increase the generosity and reach of its winter support scheme to ensure livelihoods and jobs across the UK continue to be protected. Open businesses which are experiencing difficulty will be given extra help to keep staff on, business grants are being expanded […]
Find out morePeterborough road users get say on Combined Authority-funded plans for greener, safer city junctions
Peterborough residents and road users can now give their opinion on Combined Authority-funded plans to improve two major Peterborough city chokepoints, freeing up access for cyclists and pedestrians, and easing traffic jams and delays. Headed by Mayor James Palmer, the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, has given Peterborough City Council funding to prepare a Full […]
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Mayor urges more developers to come on board with £100K Home housing project, as demand for £100K homes in Fordham, Cambridgeshire exceeds supply by 28 to 1
Mayor James Palmer is encouraging housing developers to work with the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority in bringing forward more £100K Homes after receiving 228 applications for eight £100K Homes in Fordham, Cambridgeshire. Of the 228 applications received, 147 had the necessary local connections to Fordham to make them suitable for the homes available there, […]
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Mayor seeks ‘people-centred’ and integrated Cambridge South hub as Network Rail launches consultation 2nd round
As the new Cambridge South station comes closer with today’s launch of the second round of public consultation, Mayor James Palmer has welcomed Network Rail’s stepped-up delivery date while issuing strong warnings on service provision. Mayor Palmer, who leads Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, a major funder of the new station, has always insisted that […]
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Combined Authority picks global big-hitter to push bypass forward
Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, headed by Mayor James Palmer, has appointed the design, engineering, and project management consultant, Atkins, to press forward delivery of the much-needed A141 Huntingdon Bypass. Following the procurement process, Atkins – which has offices in both Peterborough and Cambridge – was selected from a strong field of five other contenders […]
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Consus Fresh Solutions Ltd to Use £47,500 Grant to Help Reduce Food Waste
With food wastage one of today’s hottest issues, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority is backing a local company at the cutting edge of the battle to reduce spoilage of perishable food. The Bourne-based company Consus Fresh Solutions Ltd has been awarded a grant of £47,500 from the Combined Authority’s Eastern Agri-Tech Growth Initiative. The Eastern […]
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E-scooters in Cambridge City Centre – new carbon-neutral and socially distanced way to travel launched by Mayor James Palmer and Voi Technology
The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, led by Mayor James Palmer, along with Voi Technology, the U.K.’s leading e-scooter operator, will launch its e-scooter trial in Cambridge City Centre this Thursday, 15 October. For the next 12 months, residents and visitors will be able to take a ride on a Voi e-scooter whether they […]
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Challenge launches to find cutting edge conceptual designs for trailblazing CAM scheme
A challenge to the market to create innovative conceptual designs which could inform and transform the delivery of the groundbreaking Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro (CAM) has now gone live. Potential suppliers can now enter the first phase of a tender process, launched by the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, which is casting the net as widely […]
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Metalcraft secures funds for new training school
Stainless Metalcraft (Metalcraft) has appointed Ashe Construction as the main contractor for its new vocational training school, following a competitive public tender. The new training school will be located on Metalcraft’s Chatteris site and is funded through a £3.16 million Local Growth Fund grant from the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority. It will provide training […]
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Mayor Palmer pledges further support to help bring transformational projects across the finish line
A multi-million pound bid to dramatically transform March town centre has been given a competitive edge in the bidding process after being backed by the Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. In May, Fenland District Council submitted an £11.3million bid to the Government’s Future High Street Fund (FHSF) to help deliver a “once in a generation” […]
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Issue 35: Additional financial support for businesses forced to close due to stricter Covid-19 restrictions and check if your business is eligible for the Job Retention Bonus
Job Support Scheme expanded to firms ordered to close due to Covid Restrictions The government’s Job Support Scheme (JSS) will be expanded to protect jobs and support businesses required to close their doors as a result of coronavirus restrictions. Job Support Scheme will be expanded to support businesses across the UK required to close their […]
Find out moreFree CambWifi going live in Huntingdonshire market towns
Free public access Wifi is going live in market towns across Huntingdonshire to help residents keep connected and bolster local businesses through the dark days of Covid. CambWifi has just gone live in St Neots and will be available in St Ives, Ramsey and Huntingdon town centres this autumn, bringing users safe internet access when they […]
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Cambridge Business Awarded £40,000 Grant Towards Developing Agricultural Robots
A Cambridge-based business has been awarded over £40,000 from the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority’s Eastern Agri-Tech Growth Initiative to develop two mobile agriculture robot prototypes. Antobot Ltd is a robotics technology company, focused on the control hardware and software development for intelligent mobile robots, tailored for the application in the agriculture industry. With the […]
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Café culture dreams for Peterborough receive an £800,000 boost thanks to Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority
Plans for a European café culture in Peterborough have received a welcome boost, after a successful application to the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority. A grant for £800,000 has now been approved as part of the Growth Deal funding (Local Growth Fund, LGF) which is provided by Government to local areas to invest in projects […]
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Oxford to Cambridge Arc: a global asset and national investment priority
Bold vision to create a global hub for innovation and green development that inspires communities worldwide. The Oxford to Cambridge Arc, which the Chancellor of the Exchequer described as a “key economic priority” for the country, has unveiled its bold vision in a prospectus that has been submitted to Government. The Arc’s ambition is to […]
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Combined Authority pledges to work with Greater Cambridge Partnership
The Greater Cambridge Partnership and the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority have pledged to work together to tackle the transport issues facing the area and implement the policies set out in the Combined Authority’s Local Transport Plan. James Palmer, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough accepted the GCP Executive Board’s offer to join the Board as […]
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Combined Authority Board approve £500,000 spend to support young people struggling to find work
The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority Board have agreed to allocate £486,297 to two schemes to support young people and adults. The money, which the Combined Authority received from the Department of Education, will be used to improve employment prospects of people aged 16-to-24, who will be leaving education this summer having been unable to […]
Find out moreFenland station car park plan wins resounding approval
Plans for a new car park at Manea railway station have been approved by Fenland District Council and design work is now forging ahead with an eye to completion in November. Proposals for the much-needed project were agreed unanimously by Fenland’s planning committee. The car park, in Fodder Fen Road, will have spaces for around 100 cars, and will be just north of the station. It is one of a […]
Find out moreFenland wins as Board agrees first batch of Market Town proposals
Wisbech and Fenland featured strongly in the first tranche of proposals to help Cambridgeshire’s historic market towns ‘get fit for the future’. Today, Mayor James Palmer won approval from the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority Board for Fenland’s Wisbech and Whittlesey and Huntingdonshire’s Ramsey, Huntingdon, and St Ives to get funding for their development proposals. […]
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Business Bulletin: Issue Number 34
Share these free courses with your staff 94% of employees would stay at a company longer if it invested in their career development! Help boost team productivity and motivation by upskilling your employees with free, high-quality digital, numeracy and soft skills courses. There are now more than 70 courses in digital, numeracy and employability or […]
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Internationally renowned tunnel engineer Lord Mair appointed chair CAM delivery company
Renowned civil engineer Lord Robert Mair CBE, recognised internationally as an authority on major infrastructure projects involving tunnelling, has been appointed chair of the delivery company for the Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro (CAM). The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority today (September 30, 2020) approved a recommendation to make Lord Mair board chair of the CAM special […]
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Report reveals the impacts of Covid-19 on business and employment across the region
A report commissioned by the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority has highlighted the impacts of Covid-19 on business and employment across the region. The report was commissioned jointly by the Combined Authority Board and the Business Board and is based on analysis conducted in August 2020. The report aims to provide an up to date […]
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Mayor asks Board to fund Hunts Market Town proposals
In a move which will help Cambridgeshire’s historic market towns ‘get fit for the future’ and punch their weight in the Covid world, Mayor James Palmer tomorrow asks the Board of the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority to approve funding applications from Huntingdon, Ramsey and St Ives. Eleven market towns across the Combined Authority of […]
Find out moreRound 2 consultation brings Cambridge South station nearer
The much-needed Cambridge South station has taken another step forward as Network Rail says it will launch the second round of public consultation in October. Following June’s announcement of the preferred site, the latest phase of the consultation is scheduled to start on 19 October, welcoming people’s views on the next stages of the railway […]
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Mayor James Palmer challenges brightest and best to deliver conceptual designs for pioneering Metro scheme
Some of the best brains in engineering, science, tech and digital are being challenged to shape the future of the Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro (CAM) by developing conceptual designs for the vehicle, its infrastructure and how the system might operate. The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority is testing the market for existing and potential technologies, innovations, […]
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Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority partners with Share to Buy to promote affordable home ownership in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
As part of ongoing work to ensure more people have access to affordable housing across the region, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority has announced a partnership with first-time buyer property portal, Share to Buy, to raise the profile of affordable home ownership options across the region. Supported by Mayor James Palmer, the dedicated platform on the Share to Buy website […]
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More people helped out of cars and into healthier modes of travel with Mayor’s multi-million bike-lane fund
In a bid to improve the health of the region, ease congestion and improve air quality, Mayor James Palmer is funding over 80 new improvements to cycle lanes, walkways, roundabouts, and changes to traffic flow to get more people out of their car and walking and cycling. The work is to be delivered by Cambridgeshire […]
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Business Bulletin: Issue Number 33
New Support to Protect Jobs and Businesses Central Government have today announced a package of new measures to protect jobs and support businesses. The package includes a new Job Support Scheme, extending the Self Employment Income Support Scheme and 15% VAT cut for the hospitality and tourism sectors and help for businesses in repaying government-backed […]
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Globally renowned expert on tunnel engineering, Lord Mair, recommended to chair CAM delivery company
Lord Robert Mair CBE, a renowned civil engineer recognised internationally as an authority on major infrastructure projects involving tunnelling, has been recommended for the role of chair of the delivery company for the Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro (CAM). Lord Mair’s career has combined work as a leading academic at the University of Cambridge with providing cutting-edge […]
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