Concilio’s Managing Director, Nick Dines, sat down with the Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Paul Bristow, at UKREiiF to discuss Our Time is Now – the Mayor’s bold vision for unlocking the region’s full potential.
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority shines at UKREiiF by uniting partners to present a shared vision and showcase local opportunities
The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) exhibition space at UKREiiF was jam packed with events and panel discussions, serving to highlight the dynamism and opportunity in the County.
New Mayor, Paul Bristow, was present throughout REiiF and opened the proceedings with a speech that made clear his vision of all in the region, speaking with one voice, making the case for investment here in Whitehall and beyond.
Central to this is the Growth Plan that the CPCA is preparing, with a document titled Our Time Is Now published for the event. The Mayor outlined three priority sectors his administration will focus on – areas where the region already excels or holds untapped potential:
Science and Technology
- Agritech
- Clean Energy & Green Tech
- Life Sciences
Digital and Defence
- Cybersecurity
- Military Intelligence
- Semiconductors & Chips
Advanced Manufacturing & Materials
- Future Materials
- Precision Manufacturing
- Space
In the Better Places podcast, Paul highlighted the importance of ensuring growth benefits for the whole region – not just Cambridge, but also places like Peterborough, which he sees as having significant untapped potential. He committed to strategic infrastructure like a Cambridge Light Rail system - calling it more suitable and future-proof than current bus-based schemes such as CSET.
Paul also spoke about the need for greater political unity across parties and local authorities, positioning the mayoralty as a powerful regional voice – inspired by figures like Andy Burnham and Ben Houchen. He was clear about the need for governance reform, suggesting bodies like the Greater Cambridge Partnership, may no longer be fit for purpose and should be replaced by more streamlined structures, including the potential creation of two new unitary authorities.
With new devolved planning powers akin to those held by the Mayor of London, Paul is now able to deliver a pro-growth Spatial Development Strategy. He spoke of the need to shape long-term development – including around 150,000 new homes – to ensure it meets the needs of local people and future generations.
Finally, he spotlighted major strategic ambitions such as a new stadium for Peterborough, underlining the importance of getting ahead of growth to ensure it delivers for communities across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
Every region in the UK had a presence at UKREiiF, but a number of attendees said that the quality of the CPCA's panel discussions and the collaborative spirit between the Districts, County, Cambridge Growth Company, Mayor, and private sector really made the region stand out.
With the Growth Plan in the works and increased planning powers being devolved to elected Mayors, it’s clear that the CPCA will play an even greater role in shaping the region’s future. Make sure you listen to our Better Places podcast episode with the Mayor, Paul Bristow, to hear more first-hand.
Click here to listen to the full conversation
