Mayor gives speech to industry leaders at Phoenix Futures Programme Workshop

Mayor gives speech to industry leaders at Phoenix Futures Programme Workshop

DR Nik Johnson, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough addressed regional leaders in government, business and the voluntary sector at a workshop exploring ‘Creating Connected Communities’, hosted by Phoenix Sustainable Investments.

The workshop was the fourth of a series hosted across Huntingdonshire and Peterborough over the past year, which invites community stakeholders to share their vision of the region for the future.

The Mayor emphasised the importance of connectivity for a strong economy and inclusive place, and the need for compassion, co-operation and community in delivering it. He spotlighted the progress already being made by the Combined Authority, including the Tiger Bus Pass to provide affordable transport to under 25s, which is already being used by over 25,000 young people. He also discussed the ongoing consultation on bus reform and exploring innovative transport solutions, from active travel to driverless vehicles.

He then joined a panel discussion with speakers from Milestone Transport Planning, the Quality of Life Foundation and Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, and the Combined Authority’s own Eva Woods, who is currently interning with the  Combined Authority’s Careers Hub and Peterborough’s former Youth MP.

Eva spoke on behalf of the region’s young people and highlighted their concerns regarding  limited public transport services and safety,  which are severely inhibiting Access to education and employment opportunities, as well as leisure, hobbies and community inclusion. This is especially acute in the evening.

Mayor Dr Nik Johnson said:  “I was very pleased to hear the shared commitment to collaboration for a more prosperous region from those who attended. We all have a role to play in a collective approach to connectivity and thinking of others, and this event was an opportunity to celebrate our shared ambitions whilst also discussing practical steps towards a future that benefits all.”

Eva Woods said: “Young people so often feel left out on discussions about their own futures. I was thrilled to be joined by students Cambridge Regional College and the Peterborough Youth Council and am proud of the Combined Authority’s commitment to enabling and including young perspectives across all programmes”.