Peterborough is growing up fast - Here’s what it means for our sector
Jade Uko, our Director for South and East, recently attended the the Peterborough Growth Summit, hosted by The Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce. The event focused on strategic growth and development with local business and political leaders in attendance.
Peterborough, we were told (several times, and proudly), is one of the UK’s fastest‑growing cities, home to over 7,800 businesses and forecast to top the region for economic growth through 2027.
Just this week was a big local announcement: local leaders including Mayor Paul Bristow have written to the Government asking for the creation of a mayoral development corporation to be set up.
Why we’re excited
There was a lot of excitement in the room -particularly around future potential. For me, the main takeaways were:
- Momentum
We heard talk of “incredible momentum” across business creation and regeneration and place making.
- Skills & spaces linking arms
ARU Peterborough reminded us that the workforce of the future needs spaces that are modern, flexible and inspiring.
We know there are skills deficits across the sector and it is our responsibility as businesses to lead by example, shaping the next generation of young people.
- Those in charge
Hearing MPs, councillors and leaders from the political spectrum unanimously agree today is a very rare occurrence (trust us, we know). All are in agreement that Peterborough has huge, untapped potential and commitment to helping deliver this.
What Peterborough’s growth means for the sector
- Surging demand for development, both residential and commercial.
- Major regeneration opportunities including the £20m Sports Quarter and Station Quarter.
- Political and business momentum with person focused outcomes-harnessing this will be essential in communicating your scheme to policy makers.
- Collaboration is key locally, to ensuring planning success.
For more information, or to discuss how to help contribute to Peterborough’s growth and ensure that your messages reach the right people, do get in touch with Jade.
