Buckinghamshire Council leader celebrates 'world-leading' local businesses during science minister visit
The council leader in Buckinghamshire has championed the businesses operating in Buckinghamshire during a recent visit from the science minister.
Councillor Steven Broadbent met with Patrick J Vallance at Silverstone Park on Friday.
They linked up at the Enterprise Zone along the Northamptonshire-Buckinghamshire border, which Bucks Council has described as a world-leading destination for high-performance innovation in engineering, sport, science, technology and leisure.
It is one of three ‘Enterprise Zones’ within Buckinghamshire, the other two are in Westcott and Aylesbury Woodlands. Mr Vallance met with other politicians who are on the ‘Silverstone vision 2035’ board.
Councillor Broadbent said: “It was important to welcome Lord Vallance to Silverstone today and shine a light on the fantastic work that is going on within Buckinghamshire and the wider area to progress our vision to firmly establish our region as a world leading destination renowned for business excellence and innovation in growing and emerging technologies.
“It was also a great opportunity to discuss the commitment required from national government in terms of the investment and infrastructure needed to ensure long-term sustainability and economic growth in Buckinghamshire and the overall Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor
“For example, we will continue to make the case with Network Rail and the Department of Transport to advance the opening of East West Rail and in particular to commit to the much-needed Aylesbury rail link to open up investment potential in the central part of the corridor. This will improve connectivity for workers, learners and visitors to Silverstone and the surrounding area, bringing benefits to the wider community.”
Last year, the authority released an ‘economic growth plan’ designed to support innovation, attract investment and create job and career opportunities.
Councillor Broadbent added: “Today’s visit was about showcasing how far we have come and the great links and bonds that have been generated as part of our ongoing work to grow the local economy and work collaboratively with partners across the private and public sector to drive forward growth and boost skills, productivity and job creation, enhancing prosperity for all our residents and communities.”
Bucks Council has also developed an ‘economic growth fund’ which will be put towards businesses operating in the county.