Strategic investments to boost growth, digital inclusion and the Third Sector across the region

Strategic investments to boost growth, digital inclusion and the Third Sector across the region

The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) Board has approved advancing two proposed initiatives, worth a potential £8 million, focused on enhancing digital connectivity and strengthening the third sector across the region.

After a comprehensive review at today’s (September 4) Combined Authority Board meeting, which included insights from the newly established Combined Authority Investment Committee, members approved developing business cases for two proposed projects focused on digital infrastructure and third sector support. These initiatives aim to deliver substantial economic and social benefits to residents, businesses and the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

Business cases will now be developed to test whether the projects will deliver the benefits proposed and whether and how they should be funded before a final decision is made.

Proposing projects at an early stage for development into business cases and then potential delivery is part of the Combined Authority’s work to improve how it makes effective decisions on investments benefitting the region.

The first project, the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Impact initiative, worth a potential £996,000, is aimed at bolstering social enterprises, charities and the third sector across the region by offering mentoring, coaching, and growth support.

Building on the success of a recent regional pilot, the project is proposed to be managed under the Social Enterprise East of England (SEEE) strategy, with a consortium of trusted organisations providing tailored support to diverse range of stakeholders. The initiative aims to assist 375 organisations, including the creation of 125 new social enterprises and the growth of an additional 250 existing organisations. The project would also focus on enhancing the skills and business knowledge of Third Sector leaders, whilst safeguarding jobs and increasing their social and environmental impact within the wider community.

The second project involves a significant investment of £2.25 million in the first year, with an additional £4.75 million earmarked for the following three years, to implement the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Digital Connectivity Strategy 2025-2029. This strategy aims to establish a future-proof digital infrastructure that meets the needs of residents and businesses across the region.

The strategy focuses on three key themes: Digital Infrastructure, Innovation, and Inclusion. It will prioritise technologies such as full fibre, 4G, and 5G, while fostering innovation and ensuring that underserved and remote areas of Cambridgeshire gain access to high-speed internet. The project will also prioritise enhancing digital literacy, aiming to equip residents and businesses with the skills needed to fully leverage improved connectivity. This initiative seeks to reduce isolation, improve access to online services, and drive business growth by empowering the community to engage more effectively online.

Dr Nik Johnson, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough said: “These proposals align with our mission to create a more connected and resilient region. Supporting our third sector and improving digital infrastructure will foster economic growth and support our communities to thrive and prosper. I look forward to seeing how these proposals develop.”