Author: Luke Page

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Mayor Dr Nik Johnson gives speech at Healthwatch summit on health inequalities

Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Dr Nik Johnson rounded off the Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Summit on tackling health inequalities with reflections on his own medical career and the challenges facing the health sector. His speech to the summit, held on October 2, can be read below. Read more about the summit: https://www.healthwatchcambridgeshire.co.uk/news/2024-10-03/healthwatch-summit-exposes-health-inequalities-and-calls-change “I’m Nik […]

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Mayor tours Combined Authority-funded training centre to explore role in supporting better skills in heart of Fenland

Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Dr Nik Johnson toured the purpose-built, cutting-edge North Cambridgeshire Training Centre in Chatteris to see how Combined Authority investment was supporting improved skills opportunities. The Combined Authority provided Local Growth Fund grant funding of £3.16 million for the training centre, which was built in 2022 and officially opened by Her […]

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Bus franchising consultation reaches halfway mark

The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority’s bus franchising consultation is reaching its halfway mark. Taking place both face-to-face and digitally, the 14-week consultation will close on 20 November. It will inform a decision by the Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough on how to reform buses in the area. Since the consultation launched in August, the […]

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Strategy to power up faster and more accessible broadband gains support

An extension of a strategy to bring improved digital connectivity across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough has been backed by the Combined Authority’s Transport and Infrastructure Committee. The proposed Connecting Cambridgeshire Digital Connectivity Strategy 2025-29 will support the Combined Authority’s ambition of outstanding digital connectivity across the region, supporting effective public service delivery, thriving communities and sustainable […]

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Up to £2.5 million in grants available to drive innovative growth in agri-tech

Businesses in the agri-tech, agri-biotech and food-tech sectors in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough can now bid for innovation funding as part of a Combined Authority partnership with councils in the east and Government body Innovate UK.   Building on the region’s existing strengths and ambitions to be a global hub of innovation in the sector, up to […]

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Mayor tours NIAB facilities to see how Combined Authority funding is cultivating region’s agri-tech sector

Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Dr Nik Johnson visited NIAB’s state-of-the-art crop research facilities at Park Farm, Histon, to see how Combined Authority funding was supporting innovation and business growth in the region’s important agri-tech sector. Joined by Combined Authority Business Board Chair Al Kingsley, and Business Board agri-tech lead Emma Garfield, they were visiting […]

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Strategy to boost charging points for electric vehicles backed

A strategy to support the shift to electric vehicles (EVs) in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, helping everyone in the region to reliably recharge conveniently, has been approved. The Combined Authority’s Transport and Infrastructure Committee supported the strategy at its meeting on Wednesday (Sep 18), while also hearing about progress on a bid to Government for £5.4 […]

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‘All day’ concessionary bus pass travel moves a step closer

A major step forward in bringing all-day free travel for older people and those with disabilities who have bus passes in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough has been taken. Currently concessionary bus pass holders are limited off-peak times, which are from 9:30am on weekdays and at weekends. But the Combined Authority’s Transport and Infrastructure Committee has today […]

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Mayor Rides new and improved 18A bus route to see impact of Combined Authority funding

Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Dr Nik Johnson boarded the 18a bus to see first-hand how the Combined Authority’s funding is benefiting local residents and students travelling to college. The first eight of 30 Combined Authority-funded new or improved bus services launched this month and are part of a broader programme to transform buses across […]

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Combined Authority to host bus franchising consultation drop-in events

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority will be hosting a series of drop-in events across the region this Autumn to help everyone have their say on the bus franchising consultation.   Taking place in September and October, the events will give people the opportunity to meet members of the consultation team in person, share their views about […]

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‘Cambridge South will be a major boost for region’ says Mayor in tour of station site

Mayor Dr Nik Johnson toured building works at the new Cambridge South rail station, set to open next year to help thousands of people travel to and from the busy Biomedical Campus. Cambridge South will improve journeys, cut congestion and carbon emissions and serve an estimated 1.8 million passengers a year. Cambridge Biomedical Campus is a hub […]

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Transport Secretary’s Peterborough visit to announce bus ‘revolution’

Transport Secretary Louise Haigh was joined by Mayor Dr Nik Johnson and leaders in Peterborough yesterday (September 9) where she announced sweeping changes to put bus powers back in the hands of local leaders. The Government’s national bus reforms aim to grow passenger numbers, reduce patchy services and bring better quality bus services for all. […]

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Combined Authority no longer under Best Value Notice as Government recognises improvement

A programme of improvement within the Combined Authority has been recognised by Government which has not renewed its Best Value Notice on the organisation. The decision not to reissue the notice was made by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) after the Combined Authority demonstrated how it had responded to concerns set […]

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Students, employees and communities to be better connected with first batch of upgraded bus services

Press release: For immediate use Students getting to school or college and people getting to work will be among those to benefit from the first of a package of improvements to bus services being funded by the Combined Authority. The Combined Authority will fund 30 new or improved bus routes in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and the […]

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ARU Peterborough’s £32 million ‘The Lab’ completes construction

Construction of ARU Peterborough’s new £32 million Lab building, which incorporates a Living Lab to be used by the community as well as students, has been completed. The Lab, which is situated adjacent to the existing University House building on Bishop’s Road in the city, will support students and apprentices studying mainly in STEM (science, […]

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Bus franchising consultation in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough goes live

The Combined Authority is asking for views on the future of the region’s buses with the launch of its bus franchising consultation from 12 noon today (Wednesday 14 August 2024). The 14-week consultation will be open until 20 November 2024 for everyone to take part, either online, via a series of face-to-face events, or by post. It will […]

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Over £280,000 awarded in grants to support adult learning and skills development in Cambridgeshire

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority’s Learning & Skills Fund, managed by Cambridgeshire Community Foundation, has awarded over £280,000 in grants to support the lifelong learning and skills offer for adults in Cambridgeshire, including Peterborough.  It hopes to reduce inequalities in access to adult education.  The Learning & Skills Fund has awarded 14 grants to local community and charitable […]

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More than 17,000 under 25s apply for Tiger bus passes offering £1 fares

More than 17,000 young people in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough have now applied for new bus passes offering fares for just £1.  Since launch by the Combined Authority in May, Tiger bus passes are already making a big impact, with 15,821 in the hands of under 25s so far. According to the latest figures, 12,200 journeys […]

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Mayor makes case for region’s infrastructure investment at key roundtable

Infrastructure in and around Cambridge was on the agenda for a roundtable with a key body advising the Government on the country’s infrastructure challenges. Mayor Dr Nik Johnson was among attendees for a meeting in Cambridge on Thursday (Aug 1) with the National Infrastructure Commission, the body which carries out in-depth studies into the UK’s […]

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Mayor Dr Nik Johnson statement in response to The Rt Hon Angela Rayner MP announcement to get Britain building again

I very much welcome today’s announcement from The Rt Hon Angela Rayner MP. It is clear that there are issues within the planning system which has prevented building, held back growth, and most importantly left so many unable to afford quality places to live. I wholeheartedly agree with the Secretary of State that we have […]

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Consultation to help decide the future of the region’s buses given the go-ahead

Bus services in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are set to be transformed and everyone across the region is being invited to have their say. Members of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Board met today (Wednesday 24th July) where they discussed a report about bus reform and the potential pathways for improving bus services for local […]

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Bespoke Skills Bootcamp gets new employees up to speed

The Combined Authority has worked with Anglian Water’s @one Alliance and ARU Peterborough, the city’s new university, to set up an innovative Skills Bootcamp for new employees to quickly gain the skills they need for their roles. When Anglian Water’s @one Alliance recently recruited 17 employees, it wanted to provide them with an initial 12-week […]

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Extra funding for Cambridge community transport service to help secure its future

The Combined Authority and Cambridge City Council have stepped in with funding to help a Cambridge community transport service keep running and develop a plan for future sustainability. The not-for-profit Cambridge Dial-a-Ride provides accessible minibus services in Cambridge and some surrounding villages via a membership scheme for people and community groups who have difficulty in […]

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Mayor welcomes King’s Speech focus on empowering regions to drive growth

Mayor Dr Nik Johnson said today’s commitment in the King’s Speech to give more powers to mayors is crucial for a better future for the region. At the State Opening of Parliament today, His Majesty The King said the government believed that greater devolution of decision making was at the heart of a modern and […]

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Mayor welcomes Government commitment to empowering local growth after meeting with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer

Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosts Metro Mayors from across the United Kingdom in 10 Downing Street. Picture by Simon Dawson / No 10 Downing Street. Mayor Dr Nik Johnson, is front left.  Mayor Dr Nik Johnson has welcomed a commitment from new Prime Minster Sir Keir Starmer and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner to work […]

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Combined Authority’s unified pitch draws UKREiiF crowds

Picture: johnhoulihan.com The Combined Authority’s ‘Team Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’ pitch at the UK’s biggest trade and investment conference, UKREiiF, saw hundreds of delegates from over 200 organisations visit its pavilion. Working with local authorities, the Combined Authority developed a unified approach to showcase the region on the national stage, with the aim of attracting investment, […]

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Praise for Peterborough’s first AI Summit

ARU Peterborough played host to the city’s first ever AI Summit which explored the burgeoning technology’s impact on business, careers and people’s lives. From tools like ChatGPT to Bing AI, to the chatbots people interact with daily, the march of AI in people’s everyday lives continues. Supported by the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, there […]

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Under 25s can now apply for ‘Tiger’ pass offering bus fares for just £1

Under 25s in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough can now apply for a special ‘Tiger’ bus pass offering £1 fares as part of the Combined Authority’s work to revamp public transport in the region. The lower fares are aimed at helping young people get around the region more affordably, to places of education and training, jobs, shopping, […]

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US Trade and Investment Envoy welcomed to region by Mayor Dr Nik Johnson

Dr Nik Johnson, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, welcomed to the region the Rt Hon Sir Conor Burns MP, The Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy for Regional US Trade and Investment. They discussed the region’s international reputation and plans to build on this in the future. The Mayor and Sir Conor Burns discussed the benefits of […]

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AI Summit to make Peterborough debut, helping people and businesses stay ahead

The AI summit organisers have held successful events in Norwich, pictured.  Peterborough’s first public AI summit will explore how the rapidly advancing technology is changing both businesses and our lives. Supported by the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority and Anglia Ruskin University, the event will be held at the city’s new university, ARU Peterborough, on […]

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Combined Authority leads region’s unified pitch for investment on national stage

A unified ‘Team Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’ approach will be at the heart of the Combined Authority’s first appearance showcasing the region at UKREiiF, the UK’s biggest trade and investment conference. The collective pitch has been developed in close collaboration with authorities in the region, and attendance at the event is part of the commitment to […]

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Relocated Chatteris museum opens as part of Combined Authority market towns improvement

There were celebrations in Chatteris to mark the opening of the town’s relocated museum, supported with funding from the Combined Authority and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. On Saturday Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Dr Nik Johnson and Deputy Mayor Cllr Anna Smith joined the Mayor of Chatteris Cllr Anne Hay, Combined Authority Business Board […]

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From QI to ARU Peterborough: Sandi Toksvig opens cutting edge centre

Broadcaster delivers inspiring guest lecture during her visit to ARU Peterborough XRP eXtended Reality Peterborough has been officially opened by writer and broadcaster Sandi Toksvig OBE. The new facilities at ARU Peterborough, which combine elements of the virtual and the real world to create an immersive educational experience, have been opened thanks to £5.7 million […]

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Three new members appointed to Combined Authority Business Board

From left, new Business Board members Dr Araminta Ledger, Emma Garfield and Tim Jones.  New skills and experience have been added to the Combined Authority’s Business Board with the appointment of three new members. The Business Board provides a business voice in the work of the Combined Authority to support greater prosperity and reduced inequality […]

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Combined Authority welcomes experienced leaders to its corporate management team

The Combined Authority has strengthened its corporate management team with the permanent appointments of two experienced leaders as the organisation continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of the region. Janice Gotts (pictured) will join as Executive Director Resources, becoming the authority’s most senior finance officer – the Section 73 Officer – responsible for […]

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Mayor and Business Board chair tour Cambridge’s state-of-the-art West Hub

Visiting the West Hub in one of their meeting rooms, from left Dr Nik Johnson, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Al Kingsley, Chair of the Business Board, and Louisa Leitao Events Co-ordinator, West Hub.  Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Dr Nik Johnson and Chair of the Combined Authority Business Board Al Kingsley toured the West […]

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Proposals for green energy innovation centre at ARU Peterborough presented at Parliamentary event

An early-stage proposal to create a new research and development institute for sustainable energy at the city’s new university, ARU Peterborough, was launched at a Parliamentary reception in the House of Commons yesterday (Monday, March 18). Outline plans for The Global Innovation Centre for Energy Transition were presented by TWI, the Granta Park-based engineering consultancy […]

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Mayor and Cambridge City leader tour sites earmarked for £4.5 million arts and culture funding

Dr Nik Johnson, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, visited a number of sites in central Cambridge earmarked to benefit from just over £4.5 million arts and culture funding from the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority. Joined by Cllr Mike Davey, Leader of Cambridge City Council, and Cllr Anna Smith, Deputy Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough […]

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Joint statement: In response to the ‘Case for Cambridge’ in the Spring budget

Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority and Cambridgeshire County Council have issued the below joint statement in response to the Chancellor’s Spring Budget announced on Wednesday 6th March 2024: Cambridgeshire remains one of the fastest growing areas in the UK. As a net contributor to the Exchequer, if our region thrives, the whole country benefits. But we […]

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National Careers Week: Dan proves it’s never too late to reinvent your career

During National Careers Week the Combined Authority is looking at inspiring stories and sharing ways you can advance or change your career. 43-year-old Dan Arrowsmith from Peterborough had his academic ambitions dampened when he left school without any GCSEs and was told he should look for a vocational trade. Struggling with his dyslexia, Dan spent […]

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Call for volunteers to help young people on their career journeys

With National Careers Week kicking off this week the Combined Authority is calling for help from a wide range of industry volunteers to further boost its work supporting local schools to deliver outstanding careers education. The Combined Authority’s Careers Hub launched in 2022 and works with 77 schools and colleges across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough to […]

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Peterborough university partnership shortlisted in prestigious local government awards

The three partner organisations behind ARU Peterborough, the city’s new university, have been shortlisted in the prestigious Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Awards 2024. The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, Peterborough City Council and Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) are in the running for the Public/Public Partnership prize, which recognises where partnership working has been successful. The […]

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Call for views on electric vehicles and planning for more charging points

With more and more electric cars on our roads, the Combined Authority is asking people in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough for their views on what has been described as the next transport revolution. Working with Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council, the Combined Authority wants local opinions to help plan for more electric vehicle (EV) […]

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Building an ‘apprentice community’ with support from Combined Authority skills service

A fast-growing Peterborough business has said unlocking young talent through apprenticeships has been crucial to its success and highlighted how a dedicated Combined Authority skills service is supporting its goal to build an ‘apprentice community’. Ahead of National Apprenticeships Week (February 5-11), Evolving Networks, which provides pioneering internet connectivity services to other businesses, has described […]

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Celebrations raise the roof at ARU Peterborough’s newest building

Another high point in the rapid development of the ARU Peterborough university campus was marked with a ‘topping out’ ceremony of the second teaching building incorporating the ‘Living Lab’ public science and technology space. On Tuesday (January 16) representatives of the three project partners, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, Peterborough City Council and Anglia Ruskin […]

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Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Local Nature Recovery Strategy takes significant strides towards doubling nature

Cambridgeshire, recognised as one of the most nature-depleted counties in England, is making substantial progress in its commitment to “Doubling Nature” through the development of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS). With an ambitious economic growth agenda, the strategy aims to place nature at the forefront, addressing the existing deficit of rich […]

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ARU Peterborough is Civic Trust regional finalist

Picture: Richard Fraser Photography, www.richardfraserphotography.co.uk ARU Peterborough could follow in the footsteps of some of the UK’s most celebrated construction projects after being named as a 2024 Civic Trust Awards regional finalist. Established in 1959, the Civic Trust Awards are the longest running awards of their kind in Europe and recognise “outstanding architecture, planning and […]

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New Skills Bootcamp to help people into careers in engineering

The Combined Authority has worked with two engineering companies in Peterborough and a local college to develop an intensive Skills Bootcamp course giving learners the skills they need for a career in the industry. Working with Howden Turbo and Baker Perkins, a technology brand of Schenck Process Food and Performance Materials, the Introduction to Engineering […]

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Still time for creative businesses to apply for support to boost growth

Creative businesses and business leaders are being urged not to miss out on free support to accelerate their growth and win investment though a programme launching very soon in Peterborough. The Create Growth Programme will give creative businesses a tailored and free package of advice, mentoring and industry introductions to help unlock new opportunities to […]

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Mayor Dr Nik Johnson celebrates completion of 94 affordable homes at Alconbury Weald

Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Dr Nik Johnson marked the completion of 94 Combined Authority-funded affordable homes at Alconbury Weald with a tour of the site on Friday (December 1). The site, at The Boulevard, Alconbury Weald, has 65 affordable rented and 29 shared ownership homes, mainly for key workers, and was funded with a […]

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Inward investment service attracts health tech pioneer to set up its global HQ in Cambridgeshire

Pictured from left, Cogniss’s Joseph Barry (CCO), Leon Young (CEO) and Dr Lloyd Humphreys, (UK Managing Director). Supplied. An Australian-founded health tech company opened its global HQ in Cambridgeshire due to the support provided by the Combined Authority’s dedicated inward investment service branded as Locate Cambridge. Cogniss is now based at the Barclays Eagle Labs […]

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The Princess Royal opens Combined Authority-funded state of the art training centre in Chatteris

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal officially opened the North Cambridgeshire Training Centre (NCTC) in Chatteris on Wednesday (November 29) The centre, funded by £3.16 million in Local Growth Funds from the Combined Authority Business Board, is run by the Eastern Education Group and was set up to support people of all ages to gain […]

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Green light for plan to transform Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s transport future

A long-term strategy to make transport better, faster, greener, and more accessible for everyone in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough has been approved. The Local Transport and Connectivity Plan (LTCP) will be the guiding strategy for transport projects and policies across the region after it was approved today (November 29) by the Combined Authority Board. Read the […]

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Still time for agri-food tech businesses to apply for growth-boosting grants of up to £300,000

There is still time for businesses in the agri-tech, agri-biotech and food-tech sectors to apply for grants and support to boost innovation and growth. A partnership of four counties across Eastern England, including the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, launched a programme with Government to grow the sector with funding and support packages ranging from […]

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Statement from Mayor Dr Nik Johnson on the Autumn Statement

The following is a statement by Mayor Dr Nik Johnson following today’s Autumn Statement: I, along with so many in our region, have been eagerly awaiting today’s Autumn Statement, especially with regard to further Government commitments to Government’s previous pledges on Cambridge 2040 and Network North.  But firstly devolution, I whole heartedly welcome today’s commitment […]

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Combined Authority Business Board appoints five members

The Business Board has been strengthened with the appointment of five private sector members with a wide range of experience and expertise. The Business Board supports the Combined Authority in its work to grow the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough economy sustainably, ensuring that the voice of business is heard in decision-making. After the appointment in the […]

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Give your maths skills a boost in Number Confidence Week

Mayor Dr Nik Johnson is encouraging people in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough to find out more about improving their confidence with numbers in a special awareness week this week. Number Confidence Week, which runs November 6-10, run by national charity National Numeracy, is aimed at helping people get the support they need to improve their number […]

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‘It made my return to education possible’- Combined Authority’s 100th Care Leaver Bursary milestone reached

Pictured above: AJ who has benefitted from the Care Leavers Bursary established by the Combined Authority One hundred young people leaving the care system have now benefitted from a bursary set up by the Combined Authority to fund education and training to support their futures. The Combined Authority has also reaffirmed its support for care […]

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Lift-off for £7.5m Launchpad to drive innovation in agri-food businesses

A partnership of four counties across Eastern England, including the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, has launched a programme with Government funding to drive innovation and business growth in agri-tech, agri-biotech, and food-tech. New Innovate UK funding and support for innovation and business growth in local cluster Focuses on Eastern England’s strengths in agri-tech, agri-biotech […]

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Carbon Net Zero Training Centre to deliver hundreds of green skills opportunities

A project to build a training centre in Fenland supporting a range of courses in the green skills demanded for a net zero carbon future continues to move forward. The Carbon Net Zero Skills Centre has been given £2 million in funding by the Combined Authority to enable the College of West Anglia (CWA) to […]

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Peterborough’s new university recognised as ARU scoops social mobility award

Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) was awarded the University of the Year title at last night’s prestigious UK Social Mobility Awards, in recognition of the role ARU Peterborough is playing in advancing social mobility across the city and the wider region. The UK Social Mobility Awards, known as the SOMOs, are organised by the charity Making […]

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Statement by Chair of the Business Board on Network North proposals

The following is a statement by Chair of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Business Board, Al Kingsley. The Business Board has noted the Prime Minister’s announcement on Wednesday of the Network North plan for transport infrastructure investment. The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough region is a key transport and economic hub. It links the East with the Midlands […]

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Start of works on XR Centre of Excellence at ARU Peterborough

Image: Igloo Vision Work has started on XRP eXtended Reality Peterborough, a new Centre of Excellence on the ground floor of the Peterborough Innovation and Research Centre at the ARU Peterborough campus, which will deliver cutting-edge teaching and training facilities for both ARU Peterborough students and local employers. Last December it was announced that ARU […]

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Hop on board Multiply bus to learn about courses to improve number skills

People are being encouraged find out more about free maths courses on board a specially adapted bus when it stops in Cambridge and Peterborough. Multiply is a £4 million initiative run by the Combined Authority helping to improve people’s maths skills and number confidence. People are already benefitting from support for things like budgeting and […]

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Launch of new wave of short courses to accelerate careers and opportunity

A new range of short, intensive courses, free for individuals and aimed at boosting incomes and advancing careers, are now available. Skills Bootcamps are flexible courses lasting no more than 16 weeks, developing skills demanded by local employers. They offer support in finding job interviews and cover a range of sectors. They include everything from […]

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Mayor Dr Nik Johnson statement on the Local Transport and Connectivity Plan

The below is a statement from Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Dr Nik Johnson after the recommendation to approve the Local Transport and Connectivity Plan failed to pass at the meeting of the Combined Authority Board today.  Mayor Dr Nik Johnson said:  “I want to say huge thank you to officers who’ve worked tirelessly to […]

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City counting the benefits of new university a year after opening

It was just a year ago that ARU Peterborough, the city’s new university, opened its doors for the first time, but the benefits are already being felt. When the first students arrived on campus on September 20, 2022, it was the realisation of a decades-long ambition in Peterborough to build a university. Devolution and the […]

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ARU Peterborough shortlisted for prestigious architecture award

Picture credit: Richard Fraser Photography  richardfraserphotography.co.uk  University House, the first phase of ARU Peterborough, has been shortlisted for the prestigious AJ Architecture Awards 2023, aimed at “celebrating and rewarding design excellence in UK architecture”. The annual awards, organised by the Architects’ Journal, sees ARU Peterborough feature in an eight-strong Higher Education category alongside entries from Jesus […]

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Free events to help employers find out more about hiring an apprentice

Many employers are interested in apprenticeships but don’t know where to start. But those who want to find out more are already signing up for two free events in Cambridgeshire aimed at helping businesses discover the how and why of taking on an apprentice. The in-person, Love2Learn Apprenticeships event at the Marriot Hotel in Huntingdon, […]

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ARU Peterborough receives Higher Education award

Picture credit: Richard Fraser Photography  richardfraserphotography.co.uk  University Alliance recognises city’s new university for its successful collaboration ARU Peterborough has won an award for successful collaboration at the 2023 University Alliance Awards. The city’s new university, which is a partnership of Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, and Peterborough City Council, opened its doors […]

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First findings into review aiming to improve bus network

Interim findings of a review of the publicly funded bus network, undertaken by the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, has found that most bus services are performing well and will continue. Of the 77 bus services currently under review, it will be recommended at the September 13 Combined Authority Transport and Infrastructure Committee that 51 […]

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Businesses to benefit from changes to the 37 bus route

Following feedback from local businesses that many workers were arriving to work late due to the 37 bus timings, the Combined Authority has worked with Stagecoach East to change the timetabling of the bus to arrive at Peterborough’s Queensgate 15 minutes earlier, enabling workers to get to work on time. The move came after Councillor […]

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New St Neots centre connecting people with jobs and training already making a difference

Picture: Deputy Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Cllr Anna Smith helps open the Citizen Hub. Picture: Harry Pauley. A newly launched centre helping people in St Neots to find better jobs, access qualifications and training, and start and grow small businesses, has hit the ground running. St Neots Initiative, a voluntary group, worked with the […]

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New chair appointed to Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Business Board

A new chair of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Business Board has been appointed. Al Kingsley, who has served as a Board member since January 2020, was appointed following an extensive recruitment process. The Business Board is Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s Local Enterprise Partnership and is part of the Combined Authority. Mr Kingsley, who lives in Peterborough, […]

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ARU shortlisted for national prize thanks to new Peterborough university

Photo by Richard Fraser: www.richardfraserphotography.co.uk Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) has been shortlisted for the University of the Year prize at the prestigious UK Social Mobility Awards, thanks to the role ARU Peterborough, a major Combined Authority project, is playing in advancing social mobility in both the city and the wider region. The UK Social Mobility Awards, […]

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Mayor Statement: Marshall Land Systems

Statement by Mayor Dr Nik Johnson on the recent announcement by Marshall Land Systems. Mayor Dr Nik Johnson said: “It’s great news that Marshall has chosen Alconbury Weald to locate its Land Systems business after an extensive search. “It is also very welcome that Marshall confirmed that they will continue to employ about 450 people […]

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Overseas investment in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough strengthens

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough continues to be an attractive place for investment from overseas companies, despite tough economic times, latest figures show. The Government’s Department for Business and Trade has published statistics for foreign direct investment (FDI) into the UK. Those figures show that across the 29 investment projects attracted into Cambridgeshire and Peterborough in the […]

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Bus promoting maths skills in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is back for two summer dates

A bus promoting free maths courses in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is once again welcoming people aboard to find out more. Multiply is a £4 million initiative run by the Combined Authority and which offers everything from basic maths skills for budgeting and parents wanting to help with homework, through to professional qualifications to help people […]

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Utah Trade Mission calls Cambridgeshire highlight of UK and France tour

Pictured above from left: First Lady Abby Cox (State of Utah), Governor Spencer Cox (State of Utah), Mayor Dr. Nik Johnson, Rebecca Bekkenutte, Managing Director for Inward Investment, Growth Works, Richard Cuda, Programme Director, Growth Works There was high praise from members of a trade mission from the US state of Utah for their visit […]

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Micro businesses celebrate success at House of Lords thanks to ARU Peterborough courses

Small companies came together at the House of Lords to celebrate their completion of a course designed to help grow their business with the help of expert advice and mentoring. The six-week Small & Mighty Enterprise Programme – run by Small Business Britain in partnership with ARU Peterborough and global small business platform Xero – […]

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Celebration for start of building works for second teaching building with ‘Living Lab’ at ARU Peterborough

A ceremonial spade was dug into the ground to mark the start of works to build a second teaching building incorporating a ‘Living Lab’ science facility at ARU Peterborough, the city’s new university. On Wednesday (June 21) representatives from the partners developing the university, the Combined Authority, Peterborough City Council and Anglia Ruskin University, were […]

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Mayor Dr Nik Johnson: ‘Our work to reform buses is vital for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’

The below is a statement by Mayor Dr Nik Johnson on the future of buses in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and the work the Combined Authority is doing with partners to reform the network.  Mayor Dr Nik Johnson said: “Changing how buses operate in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is vital to our transport future. Doing nothing is […]

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Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Independent Improvement Board Chair confirmed

Richard Carr has been confirmed as Chair of the Independent Improvement Board (IIB) for the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority. Following the resignation of Lord Kerslake as Chair of the IIB earlier this year due to ill health, a search has taken place for a replacement Chair to support the Combined Authority in its journey […]

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Statement by Mayor Dr Nik Johnson on the Local Transport and Connectivity Plan

The following is a statement by Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Dr Nik Johnson following today’s (May 31) Combined Authority Board meeting. “In today’s Combined Authority Board meeting, it was agreed to defer a report recommending approval of a plan to transform our transport future. “The Local Transport and Connectivity Plan (LTCP) sets the vision, […]

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Mayor Dr Nik Johnson statement: GCP Making Connections consultation findings

The following is a statement by Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Dr Nik Johnson on the publication of the Greater Cambridge Partnership’s Making Connections Consultation. I welcome the publication today (Friday, May 26) of the final report into the Greater Cambridge Partnership’s (GCP) Making Connections consultation. The quantity of feedback to the consultation – over […]

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Mayor’s Statement: Local Transport and Connectivity Plan

The below is a statement by Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Dr Nik Johnson on the Local Transport and Connectivity Plan (LTCP). Read the LTCP Read the report to the board and further LTCP documents (scroll down the page to agenda item 6) This week a plan for a better transport future for everyone in […]

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Peterborough students get a taste of construction careers at city’s new university

ARU Peterborough, the city’s new university, hosted 75 Year 12 students from seven local schools for some hands-on activities designed to change perceptions about a career in the construction industry. Construction company Morgan Sindall Construction organised an interschool competition, supported by ARU Peterborough and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Careers Hub which is delivered by Growth […]

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On the road again! Multiply bus tour promoting free courses to improve number confidence

The Multiply Bus Roadshow is back, aiming to help even more people in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough to become more number confident. The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority was awarded £4 million by Government to help improve numeracy across the region as part of the national Multiply programme. The Mutiply Bus Roadshow toured the region at […]

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Turning Point beats targets in innovative skills and jobs support scheme across Fenland and Peterborough

A scheme to help those in Peterborough and Fenland into good jobs or training at key periods of change in their lives has exceeded its targets for the number of people helped. The Combined Authority bid successfully for Community Renewal Fund money from Government to deliver Turning Point – a project aimed at helping people […]

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Cambourne to Cambridge Guided Busway – Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Business Board Statement of Support

The Business Board, the Local Enterprise Partnership for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, has issued the below statement of support for the Greater Cambridge Partnership’s Cambourne to Cambridge Guided Busway scheme. The Business Board has a responsibility for supporting the sustainable economic growth of the whole of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. In 2022 the Business Board approved its […]

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More funding for Skills Bootcamps to accelerate people’s careers and earnings potential

A new wave of Skills Bootcamps – short, intensive courses to help advance people’s careers and boost their income – is coming to the region. The Combined Authority has secured £2.8 million in new Government funding for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough to deliver the flexible courses of up to 16 weeks, teaching a variety of in-demand […]

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Multiply Roadshow puts free courses to boost maths skills on the map

The Multiply Bus Roadshow toured towns across the region aiming to showcase to the public free courses to help adults improve their maths skills. Multiply offers skills for everything from household budgeting and helping children with homework, to qualifications to help advance people’s careers. A special promotional bus toured the region to raise awareness with […]

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Multiply bus rolling into towns to help people become more number confident

A bus roadshow is touring across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough to help people become more number confident. The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority was awarded £4 million by Government to help improve numeracy across the region as part of the national Multiply programme. Colleges and training providers across the region are providing ways people can sharpen […]

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Transformative Careers Hub formally launches with conference at region’s newest University

A trailblazing careers education initiative in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough has been formally launched with a conference organised by the Combined Authority and bringing together employers,  and the education and training sector. The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Careers Hub launched formally in September 2022 following a soft launch the year before, with an aim to deliver careers […]

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Funding to help primary school children dream big about their future careers

The Combined Authority has been selected as one of four trailblazers to deliver an innovative pilot project to inspire primary school-age children in the kinds of jobs they could do in the future and the skills they will need. The funding has been awarded by the Careers and Enterprise Company and will extend the scope […]

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Transport plan for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough moves forward

The Combined Authority’s Transport and Infrastructure Committee has been updated on progress with the developing plan to deliver a better transport future for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. The Local Transport and Connectivity Plan (LTCP), when completed, will be the region’s statutory transport plan, and will set a vision, priorities and strategy to guide future investments into […]

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Call for more people to take up free health and care courses aimed at boosting income

There is still time for people on Universal Credit and looking to boost their income to take part in a skills project providing skills in demand by employers in the health and care sector. The Health and Care Sector Work Academy offers courses for those out of work or in low income jobs. The skills […]

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£10 million Government funding secured to support communities, jobs, skills and growth in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

Funding for a package of projects worth almost £10 million to help boost growth and reduce inequality across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough has been confirmed by Government. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) has been brought in to replace EU funding for regional projects and aims to give local leaders a greater say in how money […]

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Making Connections consultation – Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Business Board response

The Business Board, the Local Enterprise Partnership for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, has submitted its response to the Greater Cambridge Partnership’s Making Connections consultation. This can be read below. Alex Plant, Chair of the Business Board, said: “The Business Board is broadly supportive of the proposals set out in the GCP’s Making Connections consultation to improve […]

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Planning permission secured for second teaching building featuring ‘Living Lab’ at Peterborough’s new university

Plans for a second teaching building at Peterborough’s new university, which will incorporate a ‘Living Lab’ public science centre, have been approved. On Tuesday (December 13) Peterborough City Council’s Planning Committee approved the third phase of the ARU Peterborough university campus on the north of the Embankment site, off Bishop’s Road. The new development will […]

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