Oxford to Cambridge Pan-Regional Partnership’s Post

"Working together at pan-regional level gives scale, confidence to invest and understanding of how the region will grow." Final few hours to have your say on the PRPs Consultation 👇🏻 https://lnkd.in/eZV4c7sW #collaboration #innovation #internationalinvestment #global #scale #regionalcollaboration

Timing is everything - Welcomed the opportunity to give a voice for the private sector on the day of the English Devolution White Paper publication. Any new model for devolution must ensure we unlock the potential of public/private partnerships, that deliver sustainable development and economic growth. Scale is one factor and the future of Pan-Regional Partnerships play, is a critical function in the transition to any new ‘devo’ model. Many remember the closures of the Regional Development Agencies (RDAs), which formed in my view the last functional strategic partnerships at scale, that enabled legacy growth and achieved equal status in public/private partnerships. Todays Devo publication and close of the consultation for Pan-Regional Partnerships, suggests a need to ensure we have a proactive transition, supported by the current Pan-Regional structures to avoid the strategic gaps last seen post RDAs. The value of the private sector needs to be in balance with the public sector, which needs to move to a new role as an ‘enabler of sustainable growth’. Interesting to see how this can be achieved as we review the Devo paper, the NPPF and look forward to the Industrial Strategy in 2025. Form follows function - function shaped by strategy and change enabled through partnership. Interesting time to shape future opportunities - as we review the latest policy paper. Rachel Reese 🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈 Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Tom Riordan CBE Poppy Gustafsson Richard Parker Nik Johnson James Weir Keir Starmer Richard Carr Kate Willard OBE Dipesh J Shah CBE, OBE, FRSA Nick Abell Andrew Mawson Marvin Rees OBE Nick Walkley Deborah Cadman OBE DL BSc MSc MA https://lnkd.in/g4C8DjJv

“Labour’s manifesto makes a strong statement for growth in the UK; a National Wealth Fund, planning reforms, a new industrial strategy with clean energy at its centre. This all sounds incredibly exciting and it is desperately needed. However, it’s less clear, at this stage, how all of this will actually be achieved, and what it might mean for the East of England.” As James Palmer Chair of the Eastern Powerhouse outlines: “The lack of recognition for the East in the manifestos from the two main parties shows more than ever why the East needs an Eastern Powerhouse to provide a voice for the region. We will continue to put the case for investment in our region with whoever forms the next government.” Read the Eastern Powerhouse’s full response: https://lnkd.in/exExpimN

Leaders across the Great South West are urging businesses, trade bodies, civic and education organisations, investors, and individuals to participate in a critical Government consultation running from 18 November to 16 December. This consultation is vital to ensure the region’s voice is heard in Westminster, particularly as discussions on devolution in the South West progress. The Great South West, covering Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, and the Isles of Scilly, was established to amplify the region's voice, similar to successful initiatives like the Northern Powerhouse. The region has an £81bn economy, 3.2 million people, and over 133,000 businesses. The Government’s recent budget includes plans for national devolution, which could leave the South West without a regional voice unless the Great South West Partnership (PRP) is maintained. Karl Tucker, Chair of the Partnership, urged participation in the consultation to safeguard the region's influence and ensure ongoing investment. The Great South West Partnership, developed locally, has already achieved significant milestones, including being awarded PRP status in 2022. It has supported key projects in clean energy, defense, and advanced manufacturing, and continues to push for more investment and infrastructure. Dorset Chamber encourages all members, local businesses, councils, and educational institutions to have their say and help protect the region’s future. To have your say, visit: https://lnkd.in/ea4JJ_af Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eSTq7Nj8 #DorsetChamber #GreatSouthWest #SouthWestEconomy #BusinessVoice #Devolution #RegionalGrowth #HaveYourSay

🎦 Joe O'Neill, Chief Executive of Belfast Harbour and Chair of the Belfast City & Region Place Partnership, notes how the Partnership can play a key role in supporting the delivery of the Programme for Government and the Economy Minister's [Department for the Economy NI] economic vision. "In today's challenging economic climate, it's more important than ever that we work together across sectors to create spaces and places that benefit all our communities. "We must also acknowledge the reality of our current financial landscape. Public sector finances are not just strained: they're severely drained after years of budget cuts and increasing demands on services. Attracting additional investment from the private sector is not just a very welcome opportunity, it’s imperative." Read more: https://bit.ly/3ZwJr4d _____ #investment #regeneration #development Department for the Economy NI | Department for Infrastructure | Invest Northern Ireland

𝗦𝗶𝗿 𝗞𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗨𝗞-𝗜𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 In a recent declaration, Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasised the importance of fostering a robust partnership between the United Kingdom and Ireland. This renewed focus on collaboration comes at a crucial time, as both nations seek to navigate the complexities of a post-pandemic world and the evolving economic landscape. 𝗔 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗘𝗿𝗮 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 Prime Minister Starmer, alongside Simon Harris, has committed to enhancing the relationship between the UK and Ireland. 𝘔𝘺 𝘨𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘜𝘒, Starmer stated. This partnership aims to leverage the strengths of both countries to drive growth and prosperity. Despite the challenges of recent years, the economic ties between the UK and Ireland remain strong, with deeply intertwined supply chains across various sectors, including agri-foods, renewables, life sciences, creative industries and technology. Full Article Here: https://lnkd.in/e3PWMAQ2 #sirkeirstarmer #ukirelandpartnership #infrastructureprojects #economicgrowth #renewableenergy #healthcareinnovation #digitalinfrastructure #defencecollaboration #sustainabledevelopment #transportationlinks #businesspartnership #tradeinvestment #cleanenergy #techindustry #constructionprojects #economicrecovery #globalpartnership #futuregrowth #innovation #resilientcommunities #ukbusiness #irelandbusiness #collaboration #economicprosperity #leadership #londonconstruction

Business activity in Scotland continues to grow for the 9th consecutive month, with employment remaining steady, but consumers are still feeling the pressure. Read more from our Director of Policy & Public Affairs, Clare Reid, in the latest edition of Sunday Times Scotland The Business supplement: https://lnkd.in/eD5bcCte

Scottish businesses call for seat at UK table   The Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) has welcomed Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s meeting  with First Minister John Swinney and called for a similar pro-active partnership with Scottish businesses.   SCC Chief Executive Dr Liz Cameron CBE said: “Scotland faces many challenges, not least in our oil and gas sector as we transition to Net Zero and we urgently need detailed plans and action to protect and invest in the thousands of jobs that rely on a thriving North East economy.   “That means the new UK government working together with Holyrood to deliver policies and support the business and energy sector. This meeting is a positive step in that direction and one we welcome.”   In a 15-point action plan released prior to the General Election, The SCC called for a Joint Economic Growth Board to be established within the first 100 days of government to oversee an ambitious programme of pro-enterprise, pro-growth policies.   Dr Cameron said: “As Scotland’s leading business organisation with 12,000 members we want a seat at that table to ensure our voice is heard and our priorities recognised. Labour has said economic growth is at the heart of its drive to create prosperity and that can’t be done without working closely with the business community to help deliver the most pro-growth policies to turbo-charge investment, innovation, and job creation.”   Dr Cameron continued: “Our action plan was created by business for business and will not only protect jobs but provide a platform for investment and innovation. There is no doubt the country succeeds when business succeeds.   Discover the full set of actions here: Rally For Growth report #RallyforGrowth #ScottishBusiness #westlothianchamber  

On Friday in Brisbane, I joined Tony Williams, Mayor of Rockhampton, and Kelly Vea Vea, Mayor of Isaac, at the Queensland Resources Council’s State of the Sector presentation. The resources sector in Queensland has delivered record returns for our economy, but the industry is at a critical crossroads. The challenge? Soaring costs and global competition for investment capital. We heard that international investors will prioritize regions offering the best returns, and currently, Queensland is not seen as competitive—raising concerns for the future. Encouragingly, the new Resources Minister, Dale Last, speaking on behalf of the Premier, outlined the government’s commitment to revitalising the sector. Plans include making Queensland competitive again, removing barriers like the lengthy 12-year approval processes for some projects, and strengthening relationships between the government, the resources sector, and the regional communities that power our state’s economy. For our region, this renewed focus is welcome news. A strong and competitive resources sector is vital to our future.