Buckinghamshire Local Industrial Strategy

A Partner in the Oxford-Cambridge Arc

July 2019 2 Contents

Foreword 4

Executive summary 6

Introduction 12

Oxford-Cambridge Arc: Economic context 14

Buckinghamshire and the Industrial Strategy 20

Mobilising Buckinghamshire’s internationally significant economic assets 22

The five foundations of productivity

Ideas 29

People 34

Infrastructure 40

Business environment 46

Places 52

Grand Challenges 57

Priorities across the Oxford-Cambridge Arc 61

Implementation and evaluation 69

3 Industrial Strategy Buckinghamshire Local Industrial Strategy Foreword

“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” Roald Dahl Roald Dahl created his own magic from We aim to grow Buckinghamshire’s a garden shed in Great Missenden, £16.4bn economy that currently Buckinghamshire. He is widely regarded produces the highest levels of as one of the greatest children’s productivity in the Oxford-Cambridge authors of all time and is one of the Arc (the Arc), into a world leading most popular with over 200 million business location where investments book sales and an enduring legacy of flourish and innovation thrives. This film and theatre productions. As with Local Industrial Strategy will support magic, innovation and entrepreneurial the aims of the national Industrial spirit is not always created in the most Strategy which is government’s long- obvious places and in Buckinghamshire term plan to boost productivity by we have some incredible examples backing businesses to create high- to share. Storytellers and creatives, quality, well-paid jobs throughout the working collaboratively with engineers United Kingdom, with investment in and scientists will be at the heart of skills, industries and infrastructure. this strategy, using pure imagination In partnership with the government, to release the potential of Artificial Buckinghamshire will build our strategy Intelligence and Virtual Reality around the future elevation and and other emerging technologies evolution of our global assets including: to create new forms of magic. Westcott, where the innovation in Buckinghamshire has a highly space propulsion really is rocket productive and entrepreneurial science; Pinewood Studios, the home economy with a dynamic and of the British film industry and the resilient employment base James Bond and Star Wars franchises; underpinned by a strong and high- Stoke Mandeville, the birthplace of quality business community. the global Paralympic Movement; and This strategy, sets out the ways Silverstone, driving high-tech innovation in which we aim to build on the out of the white heat of motorsport. momentum from current investment and the transformative infrastructure development already underway.

4 Together we will help these assets From firm foundations, this Local explore and conquer exciting new Industrial Strategy lays the ground for frontiers, enter new markets and a new relationship with government, discover new realities. We will do building on a clear focus for the Arc this by strengthening connections and demonstrating the pivotal role and relationships between these Buckinghamshire will play in delivering established assets and an innovative further economic lift off for the UK. and vibrant SME base together with our universities, Catapults and academic centres of excellence. Buckinghamshire is growing into a truly world class location for business investment with excellent connections to global markets via the Heathrow gateway and the global city of London. Our strategy will deliver major benefits: Rt Hon Greg Clark MP Secretary of State for Business, ``for the local area at a time of Energy and Industrial Strategy transformation as a growth area with the new establishment of one of the biggest non-metropolitan local authorities in the country; ``for the wider region in presenting Buckinghamshire’s key role in connecting, linking and presenting new bases for innovation; and Andrew M Smith ``for the national economy in providing Chair, Buckinghamshire Local an ambitious and attractive destination Enterprise Partnership for investors seeking access to some of the smartest, most driven and entrepreneurial people on the planet.

5 Industrial Strategy Buckinghamshire Local Industrial Strategy Executive Summary

This Local Industrial Strategy aims to ensure that Buckinghamshire continues to play a significant and increased role in the economy of the future. It sets out how Buckinghamshire will areas, reflecting the close collaboration deliver the national Industrial Strategy and partnership working between which aims to boost productivity by LEPs across the region1. All four share backing businesses to create high- a common summary of the wider quality, well paid jobs throughout the economic context and identify those United Kingdom, with investment in priorities within each Local Industrial skills, industries and infrastructure. Strategy that can be developed at This is a time of transformation and scale across the Arc, complementing great opportunity for Buckinghamshire: the specific Buckinghamshire strategic a highly productive area at the heart objectives which sit at the heart of some of Britain’s most innovative of this document. This includes: and productive locations, in the ``Working together collaboratively Oxford-Cambridge Arc (the Arc) and across all of the foundations the Thames Valley. Heathrow and of productivity to ensure that strong connections with London the implementation of the directly link Buckinghamshire four Local Industrial Strategies to the global economy. maximises the economic potential Developed from clear evidence and of the wider Arc region. building on a track record of strategic ``Harnessing the collective strength investment by Buckinghamshire of the Arc’s research base – driving Local Enterprise Partnership greater collaboration on science and (Buckinghamshire LEP), in collaboration research; developing a network of with local and national stakeholders, the ‘living labs’ to trial and commercialise Strategy builds upon Buckinghamshire’s new technologies; and growing strengths – founded on entrepreneurial, the role of the Arc as a global highly productive small and medium research and innovation hub. sized enterprises (SMEs) – and identifies ``Bringing employers and skills emerging global growth opportunities. providers together to understand the This strategy is one of a family of current and future skills needs, and four linked Local Industrial Strategies planning provision to meet them. covering the Arc, the others covering Oxfordshire, South East Midlands and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

6 ``Maximising the economic benefits However, the overall trend shows that of new transport, energy and digital high levels of productivity growth infrastructure within the Arc. are beginning to slow. Change is ``Developing an improved business needed to ensure Buckinghamshire’s support and finance programme for economy remains fit for the future. high growth companies, a shared Buckinghamshire’s Local Industrial approach to commercial premises Strategy will help to bring about that and an Internationalisation Delivery change. This document sets out how Plan to encourage greater trade the economy will take full advantage and inward investment in the Arc. of its global assets and maximise ``Embodying Government’s 25 year the Arc’s opportunities to accelerate Environment Plan and contributing growth in productivity. To support to the Clean Growth Grand Challenge this, it aims to transform the economic Mission to halve the energy use drivers underpinning the economy, of new buildings by 2030. in line with the national Industrial Strategy’s foundations of productivity. Buckinghamshire’s economy Mobilising Buckinghamshire’s Buckinghamshire is the fourth most economic assets to drive growth productive area in England, with the highest employment rate in the Arc. Buckinghamshire’s economy The county has world leading assets is strong. That’s why this Local and sectoral strengths in the space Industrial Strategy places front- propulsion and film and television and-centre those areas where sectors, with the Westcott Space Buckinghamshire can lead the world: Cluster, Pinewood Studios and the ``The Westcott space cluster: significant National Film and Television School; investment from government, and is also home to Silverstone Park Buckinghamshire LEP, and the and its associated Technology Cluster private sector has nurtured local and a flourishing digital health sector. expertise in the space cluster. This is Lying at the heart of the Arc, signified by the UK Space Agency’s Buckinghamshire contributes to, and recent decision to invest £4.12m into is set to benefit from, one of the UK’s Westcott Venture Park to develop key growth regions. The Arc is currently the National Space Propulsion experiencing a time of transformation Test Facility. This Local Industrial and great opportunity, with major new Strategy sets out how partners will government backed infrastructure take the cluster to the next level, by works including East West Rail and the working with businesses to address Oxford-to-Cambridge Expressway. skills shortages for technicians and propulsion test specialists and

7 Industrial Strategy Buckinghamshire Local Industrial Strategy

developing a long-term investment ``This Local Industrial Strategy also sets plan for Westcott to develop new R&D out to develop a new Screen Industries infrastructure and an established Global Growth Hub at Pinewood Studios base for manufacturing excellence to better link creative content providers in the fields of space propulsion with open access technical resources and in-orbit maintenance, based on and with businesses and education working across value chains. Working networks, enhancing collaboration and with the Department for International providing opportunities for inspiration Trade, the LEP will also seek to between businesses and education develop a Buckinghamshire Export providers on skills development. and Inward Investment Partnership ``Silverstone Park and technology as a chapter of the wider Arc cluster: Buckinghamshire’s Silverstone Internationalisation Plan. This plan will Technology Cluster is a significant be based on Westcott’s space assets part of the Arc’s high technology and linked to other key sectors and capability, and there exists major global locations, including working opportunity to stimulate potential with government to consolidate high technology crossovers between, a global capability in the area. and across, sectors. To stimulate ``Pinewood Studios and the National growth, Buckinghamshire LEP and Film and Television School at the the Silverstone Technology Cluster heart of a creative industries cluster: aim to focus business investment home to Pinewood Studios, the and financial incentives on SME National Film and Television School innovation, and attract interest and the International eGames from the finance community, large Committee, Buckinghamshire corporates and overseas investors. stands out in the creative media and Action will also be taken to support entertainment sector. As this creative emerging technologies through cluster evolves, Buckinghamshire improving links between firms and aims to be at the forefront of the knowledge base, developing the future changes in the way in which ecosystem to improve connectivity creative content is developed and between businesses and universities, consumed. Working with the creative and improving networking across industries network, Buckinghamshire the Arc’s ‘super-cluster’. LEP will take action to work with `` Digital health, med-tech and government to consolidate a global advanced artificial intelligence: industries capability furthering export Buckinghamshire benefits from capacity and inward investment significant assets in the digital in the sector, aiming to secure health sector, including the investment in and access to key Buckinghamshire Life Sciences research facilities and programmes. Innovation Centre, Stoke Mandeville (the UK’s national spinal centre)

8 ``and global industry leaders such and medium sized enterprises and as GE Healthcare and Johnson world-leading research institutes and Johnson with well-established and businesses across the Arc. research bases within the area. Buckinghamshire LEP will establish There are also opportunities to pioneer an Innovation and Enterprise Board. new approaches; Buckinghamshire is This board will develop ‘Living Labs’ in the first wave of eight Integrated for innovative businesses by: Care Systems, and major planned ``building on Buckinghamshire’s housing growth provides exciting unique capabilities and connect ‘Living Lab’ prospects. Together the innovation and entrepreneurial with a new Health and Social Care ecosystems to support ambitious network, Buckinghamshire LEP will businesses to rapidly translate aim to maximise this opportunity, new ideas into knowledge- using housing growth to test the driven growth in the area; application of new technology and remote health care, thereby exploiting ``brokering between local government, the area’s heritage as the birthplace developers and service providers of the Paralympic Movement. The to exploit the potential of new goal is to position Buckinghamshire housing developments, particularly as the ‘medical technology (MedTech) at Aylesbury Garden Town, as test adoption accelerator’ with dedicated beds and commercialisation platforms medical device regulation degree for new and emerging technologies; apprenticeship programmes. Action will extending step-out test facilities at the also be taken to support collaboration Westcott Venture Park to support the between businesses and health wider use of 5G applications within and care providers, to enhance the Health and Social Care, clinical and Integrated Care System and technology emergency services applications; and in adult social care and expand capacity ``working with the planning system to support spin-outs from R&D activity. and developers to encourage the Underpinning these four economic adoption of early stage technologies assets are the five foundations in all future developments. of productivity set out in the People national Industrial Strategy. Buckinghamshire has a major asset Ideas in its people. The population is highly In support of the government’s educated and benefits from several target of 2.4 per cent of gross significant technical education domestic product (GDP) going into institutions. However, there are various R&D by 2027, Buckinghamshire will challenges in Buckinghamshire’s skills bolster knowledge transfer between system – including apprenticeship its four major economic assets, its pathways, mid-level occupations and thriving network of micro, small,

9 Industrial Strategy Buckinghamshire Local Industrial Strategy the need for increased social mobility, will feed into the broader Arc- especially for those following vocational level work with government learning opportunities. This Local to improve apprenticeship Industrial Strategy aims to address participation and achievement. these challenges, by bringing about a skills and inspiration revolution. Infrastructure Buckinghamshire is at the heart of The Skills Advisory Panel and significant infrastructure investment, Sector Skills Groups will ensure with major planned transport projects greater involvement from the and housing growth. However, private sector. Buckinghamshire will Buckinghamshire’s digital infrastructure develop new employer-led models lags behind its neighbours in coverage to address growing skills needs by: and quality of provision. The area’s ``identifying areas of priority in strong data-orientated sectors, the labour market for STEM skills computer consultancy businesses and through the Buckinghamshire creative-digital media sectors all need Skills Advisory Panel; a robust digital spine in order to grow. ``building upon high levels of business Buckinghamshire will establish interest in the area, working with the the Productive Places Department for Education to engage Programme. This intends to: with, and inform employers ahead ``address digital connectivity of the roll out of T levels to boost bottlenecks and ensure digital the take up of industry placements, infrastructure is part of new and in disciplines befitting the developments. In support of this, Buckinghamshire economy; Buckinghamshire will map all ``complementing and championing the digital coverage in the county and government’s new technical education develop a new Digital Investment offer, establishing a prestigious, Strategy helping prioritise future structured careers offer which investment in R&D hotspots provides clear pathways from school including Enterprise Zone locations; into work, for all. This will focus on work with major infrastructure reaching those less well-connected providers to promote but also stimulate demand to meet Buckinghamshire’s digital skill shortages in high priority sectors, connectivity interests; such as creative-tech careers; and ``support businesses with high ``addressing above average levels of value potential, exploiting ‘Smart 16 to 17 years old not in education, City’ concepts linked to Garden employment or training, working Town Developments; and with employers across the area to facilitate effective use of the apprenticeship levy. This work

10 ``ensure surface connectivity to Arc’s success, with major infrastructure Heathrow Airport and resilience set to transform east-west connectivity for the rail access to London is aligned with improved north-south improved to enhance, and develop, links, in particular to the major global new economic relationships. gateway at Heathrow Airport. The area has exceptional natural capital Business environment assets, including much of the Chilterns Buckinghamshire’s economy has a Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, strong record in stimulating start-ups, that require sensitive handling. The supporting a thriving economy of micro, county will develop a world-class small and medium-sized enterprises. economy set within an enhanced and However, more can be done to world-class natural environment. underpin productivity improvements This Local Industrial Strategy sets out and support willing firms to scale-up. how actions will play out differently This Local Industrial Strategy sets out across Buckinghamshire, enabling all actions to ensure Buckinghamshire’s communities to flourish, based around: economy is fit for the future. a ‘commercialisation cluster’, building Buckinghamshire Business First (BBF), a `` on the advanced manufacturing base top-ranking Local Growth Hub, is ideally surrounding Silverstone and Westcott, placed to co-ordinate this support. increasingly integrated into the BBF will act to support scale-ups by: regional economy through the Arc; ``establishing mentoring and business a ‘Living Lab’ for collaboration leadership growth programmes; `` between the public and private ``initiating a programme of sector, centred around Aylesbury supply chain development; and Stoke Mandeville; and supporting further inter-network a ‘creative and digital cluster’ innovation and promotion of cross `` around High Wycombe, the sector ambitions to establish a new National Film and Television generation of growth-oriented firms; School, and Pinewood Studios. ``targeting Rural Business Support; and Grand Challenges ``developing new and enhanced high quality incubation and The national Industrial Strategy sets co-working spaces. out four Grand Challenges that will have a transformative impact on society Places and the economy: Ageing Society; Buckinghamshire is at the heart of a Artificial Intelligence and Data; Clean region of innovation and ideas with Growth; and the Future of Mobility. This ready access to global markets. It is strategy identifies how each of these uniquely placed as the keystone for the challenges relate to Buckinghamshire.

11 Industrial Strategy Buckinghamshire Local Industrial Strategy Introduction

This strategy sets out how Buckinghamshire will deliver the aims of the national Industrial Strategy, the government’s long-term plan to boost productivity by backing businesses to create high- quality, well-paid jobs through investment in skills, industries and infrastructure. This strategy is founded on the nationally significant economic assets of Buckinghamshire, including: ``Westcott Space Propulsion Cluster; The strategy has been informed ``Pinewood Studios and the by a detailed analysis of a robust National Film and Television economic evidence and has been School Creative Cluster; developed with local and national stakeholders, including business ``Silverstone Park and and social enterprises, universities Technology Cluster; and and colleges, local authorities and ``digital health, med-tech and community organisations. The strategy artificial intelligence (AI) with has been supported by a steering a Stoke Mandeville Cluster. group drawn from across all of these sectors. It builds on and complements Buckinghamshire will deliver this the foundations established in the change by transforming economic Strategic Economic Plan and the drivers and the business ecosystem Buckinghamshire Growth Strategy, to drive productivity through: focusing specifically on mobilising ``a skills and inspiration revolution; internationally important economic assets with the potential to significantly ``transformative investment in digital infrastructure; transform the local economy and lead growth for the national economy. ``development of enhanced and long-term R&D collaborations In addition to the specific shared as part of a Living Lab; commitments agreed with government, this Local Industrial Strategy also ``advancement of commercial details how Buckinghamshire will innovation; and work with a variety of local, national ``boosting business scale- and international partners to up and efficiency. deliver the strategy’s ambitions.

12 13 Industrial Strategy Buckinghamshire Local Industrial Strategy Oxford-Cambridge Arc: economic context

The role of this strategy ``advanced manufacturing, This Local Industrial Strategy with the Silverstone Park and for Buckinghamshire articulates Technology Cluster at its core. government and local partners’ The Arc is a national trailblazer area shared ambitions for the area at a and the LEPs in the Arc are amongst granular level, outlining how specific the first, nationally, to develop interventions in the local area will drive and publish their individual Local future growth in Buckinghamshire, Industrial Strategies. Each of the and across the Arc more widely. strategies should be read as ‘local It outlines the key priorities for chapters’ of the national Industrial Buckinghamshire for each of the five Strategy2 - outlining not only the foundations of productivity: Ideas, ambitions for the local areas, but also People, Infrastructure, Business how their strengths and assets will environment and Places, as well as contribute to national objectives. those areas of work which will be The economic opportunity presented progressed collectively at an Arc level. by the Arc is significant. But it will A key driver of this strategy is to not happen by itself. It will take exploit Buckinghamshire’s position concerted, and coordinated, work at the centre of the Arc, to mobilise by both government and the local its economic assets to drive growth areas to ensure that the Arc remains locally and nationally. This is particularly an economic asset of international important in relation to three of standing over the coming decades. the Arc’s key growth sectors: This Local Industrial Strategy for Buckinghamshire, published ``space, taking advantage of alongside those for Cambridgeshire Westcott’s particular strengths in and Peterborough, Oxfordshire upstream space and the National and the South East Midlands, Propulsion Test Facility; shows how this will be done. ``the creative and digital sector, to which Pinewood, the National Film and Television School and the creative industry cluster in the South of Buckinghamshire are critically important; and

14 Introduction to the Arc by 2050. It is a highly productive The Arc is a world leading economic and prosperous region with global area, underpinned by a high-quality strengths in science, technology environment, which has the potential and high-value manufacturing. to deliver transformational growth The Arc covers the ceremonial counties that will create jobs and boost local of Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and regional economies for the benefit Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire of existing and future communities. and Cambridgeshire. The economic It currently has 3.7 million residents landscape is covered by the and over two million jobs, contributing Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and £111bn of annual Gross Value Added South East Midlands Local Enterprise (GVA) to the UK economy per year3 Partnerships and the Cambridgeshire and the transformative economic and Peterborough Mayoral Combined potential to contribute around £191.5bn Authority’s Business Board.

Map of Oxford-Cambridge Arc, showing the area’s ceremonial counties

NEW IMAGE

15 Industrial Strategy Buckinghamshire Local Industrial Strategy

The Arc as a whole is a strongly The Arc today: key growth sectors knowledge-intensive economy. It Transformational growth of the 4 contains ten diverse universities , scale envisaged across the Arc including the Universities of Oxford and will need to build on the breadth Cambridge, two of the world’s greatest of existing assets and strengths and most internationally recognisable found across the local area. centres of learning, and a network of cutting-edge science parks, research The Arc has strengths across the field institutions, businesses and incubators. of space. The Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire The Arc is home to world-leading R&D comprises 90 space organisations and is already renowned as a place employing nearly 1,000 people and of global firsts – pioneering cures for is the largest space cluster in Europe disease, forging breakthroughs in incorporating the European Space engine technology, innovation in future Agency, the Space Applications energy and transport systems, and Catapult and the National Satellite developing world-leading strengths Testing Facility. This is complemented in technologies that are shaping the by Westcott Venture Park in Aylesbury twenty-first century. But it has the Vale with a growing space cluster ambition and ability to go further. with particular strengths in upstream Its continued success will be critical space, and also home to the UK Space if the UK is to meet its target of 2.4 Agency’s National Space Propulsion per cent of GDP being spent on R&D Test Facility. In aerospace, Central by 2027, and its knowledge and Bedfordshire’s Cranfield University, innovation assets enable the area to which is home to the Aerospace be world-leading in industries that Integration Research Centre and have rapidly growing global markets. the UK’s Aerospace Technology Institute, is building a Digital Aviation Research and Technology Centre that will spearhead the UK’s research into digital aviation technology.

16 There are several leading creative The Arc is home to two globally and digital clusters within the Arc. In renowned life sciences clusters in Buckinghamshire, Pinewood Studios Oxford and Cambridge – the most and the National Film and Television productive life sciences clusters School comprise two globally renowned in Europe, which already compete state-of-the-art facilities. Milton Keynes, internationally with the global Peterborough, Cambridge, Luton, leaders in San Francisco and Boston, Northampton, Oxford, High Wycombe, Massachusetts. These clusters feature South Bucks and Aylesbury all have prominently in the UK’s Life Science highly concentrated creative and digital Sector Deals, published in 2017 and clusters with diverse specialisations. 2018. The Cambridge life sciences Oxfordshire is home to a range of cluster alone is home to over 400 strengths including computer games, companies, with 15,500 employees and software development, cybersecurity, contributing around £2.9bn annually high performance computing as to the UK economy6. Oxfordshire is well as film and TV including the home to a world-leading bioscience new £78m studio facilities at Didcot cluster, with an estimated 180 R&D opened by Rebellion. In Cambridge, the companies and over 150 companies in information and digital technologies associated industries. It has world-class cluster is highly concentrated, with a R&D facilities, with four new innovation strong track record of establishing, and centres at the Oxford BioEscalator, the growing, globally significant companies. Begbroke Accelerator, Harwell Science This high concentration of modern, and Innovation Campus and Culham creative, industries, have led to Arc Science Centre. Buckinghamshire businesses featuring heavily in the is also home to a growing medical national Creative Industries Sector Deal. technologies sector, and the county The Arc is a world leader in advanced also houses national facilities, such as manufacturing, with specialisms in the spinal centre in Stoke Mandeville. high-performance technology and The Future of Mobility Grand Challenge motorsport engineering. Silverstone is features heavily across the Arc as a home to 40 advanced manufacturing whole, specifically in the research, companies, testing facilities for development and commercialisation materials and vehicles and the iconic of Connected and Autonomous F1 Circuit. More widely, there are vehicles. Key assets include: the RACE over 4,000 businesses operating Centre at Culham Science Centre, in ‘Motorsport Valley’5, which which is a UK centre of excellence in extends from Northamptonshire into robotics and autonomous systems; Oxfordshire and beyond – a £6bn global Millbrook Proving Ground in Central cluster of automotive, motorsport and Bedfordshire; and at Milton Keynes, a advanced manufacturing companies. hub of the Connected Places Catapult and the UK Autodrive project.

17 Industrial Strategy Buckinghamshire Local Industrial Strategy

Policy Context Arc – in 2017. The report concluded Recognising the importance of the area that, with the right interventions, the and the opportunity it provides for the Arc could harbour transformational UK, the government has already made growth, even against its existing levels significant investment to support local of output. It explained that meeting growth and productivity in the Arc this long-term potential would require over recent years. This has included: both significantly more homes to be built and significantly improved ``committing over £400m of Local east-west transport connectivity. Growth Funding to the LEPs in the Arc from 2015/16 to 2020/21, to In its response to the NIC report, fund growth enabling projects; published in 2018, the government designated the Arc as a key economic ``agreeing over £800m of funding priority, outlining a breadth of actions for economic growth, transport and to seize the opportunity for growth skills through the Cambridgeshire identified in the NIC’s report. The and Peterborough Devolution Deal; government also affirmed its ambition ``continuing to invest in the four to deliver more homes in the Arc, LEPs’ Growth Hubs to provide supported by measures such as the business support across the Arc £215m Oxfordshire Housing and Growth and investment in the Greater Deal and the recent confirmation of South East Energy Hub; £445m Housing Infrastructure Funding for the Arc. The government has ``supporting the accelerated committed to deliver transformational development of key sites through infrastructure projects to improve east- the Enterprise Zone programme, west connectivity across the Arc, most including in Science Vale, notably by completing the £1bn East Northampton Waterside, Aylesbury West Rail scheme and the Expressway. Vale and Alconbury Weald; and Government is also working with ``investing, through Innovate UK, partners to identify what utilities, digital £670m in 1000 businesses in the Arc and environmental infrastructure, since 2010 to help them develop and planning and investment is required. innovate new products and services. Importantly, the government’s It was part of recognising the response to the NIC recognised that national importance that in 2016 the delivering ambitious growth on this government commissioned the National scale had to go hand in hand with Infrastructure Commission (NIC) to environmental enhancement in order undertake a study to strengthen the to maximise the benefits to local collective understanding of the area’s people and leave the environment in economic growth potential. The NIC a better state for future generations. published its report7 – Partnering for Prosperity: A new deal for the Cambridge–Milton Keynes–Oxford

18 Since then, the government and the Arc, as well as wider services local leaders have been working in including health and education; partnership across the Arc to match ``Connectivity – delivering the the level of ambition for the area. This infrastructure communities need, includes working collaboratively to including transport and digital realise the area’s potential through connectivity, as well as utilities; and four inter-related policy pillars: ``Environment – investing in ``Productivity – ensuring businesses environmental infrastructure are supported to maximise the Arc’s and ensuring growth leaves economic prosperity, including the the environment in a better skills needed to enable communities state for future generations. to benefit from the jobs created; ``Place-making – creating places valued by local communities, through the delivery of sufficient, affordable and high-quality homes, to increase affordability and support growth in

19 Industrial Strategy Buckinghamshire Local Industrial Strategy Buckinghamshire and the Industrial Strategy

Buckinghamshire lies at the heart of the Arc, one of the UK’s key growth regions with London and the UK’s international gateway at Heathrow Airport on the southern boundary. With a current total GVA of £16.4bn Mobilising Buckinghamshire’s it is the fourth most productive Local internationally significant Enterprise Partnership area in England. economic assets It has the highest employment rate in This Local Industrial Strategy seeks the Arc, at 81.8 per cent compared with to commit the anchor institutions 75.1 per cent for England. However, in Buckinghamshire to new ways of there remains strong global competition working, and support collaboration – for comparison - it would take a 33 to more effectively mobilise its per cent increase in GDP per capita for economic assets and drivers. Buckinghamshire to currently register within the top 25 German regions. Four key economic assets have the potential to make a significant The work to create the Local Industrial contribution to the national drive Strategy has looked at where there to raise productivity and enable is strength in sectors to close the economic growth. These assets productivity gap on the leading will be enhanced to deliver sector- international areas. Overall trends leading productivity growth: in the Buckinghamshire economy are beginning to show a slowdown ``Westcott Space Propulsion Cluster in the rate of GVA per hour worked – where businesses are at the growth due to a growth in less frontier of Britain’s launch, in-orbit productive sectors, compounded services and satellite technologies; by the regional opportunities ``Pinewood Studios and the National available for a local workforce. Film and Television School Creative Cluster – placing Buckinghamshire as the international leader in immersive content drawing on the pioneering development and use of augmented reality, virtual reality and other new technologies in storytelling;

20 ``Silverstone Park and Technology ``Business environment: An export Cluster – as the global location of and inward investment partnership – choice for high-tech innovation, to support aspirational businesses to developing and manufacturing innovate, become more resilient and additive and digital technologies stimulate international growth; and that will change the world; and ``Places: A major opportunity ``Digital Health, Medical Technologies presented for economic growth and Artificial Intelligence (AI) with around towns and main transport a Stoke Mandeville Cluster – where hubs to deliver new housing Buckinghamshire is developing an and commercial stock. innovative health and social care Living Lab, which has supported the Helping Deliver the creation of an efficient and effective Grand Challenges health and social care model to This Local Industrial Strategy will build on commercial capability. also highlight how Buckinghamshire will focus on the delivery of the Buckinghamshire will also focus four national Grand Challenges: on reinforcing the five foundations of productivity set out in the ``Ageing Society: pioneering the national Industrial Strategy: development of ‘encore’ careers; ``Ideas: An Innovation and Enterprise ``Artificial Intelligence and Data: Board – to help to deliver a establishing an open data focus which is attractive to key store for services enabled growth sectors and underpins by Artificial Intelligence; Living Lab ambitions; ``The Future of Mobility: reducing the ``People: A skills and reliance on car ownership; and inspiration revolution; `` Clean Growth: aiming to halve the ``Infrastructure: Putting energy use of new buildings by 2030. Buckinghamshire at the forefront of a resilient and future-proofed physical and digital infrastructure network;

21 Industrial Strategy Buckinghamshire Local Industrial Strategy Mobilising Buckinghamshire’s internationally significant economic assets

The Westcott Space Cluster The challenge for Westcott, to build The Westcott Venture Park and on this investment, is to develop a Enterprise Zone, established and separate strategy which complements managed by Buckinghamshire LEP is the capabilities of businesses in other a centre of excellence for SMEs and areas in a commercially sustainable larger companies engaged in rocket way. Westcott’s capabilities and site propulsion R&D. It is well located designation mean that it is particularly in terms of neighbouring anchor well-suited to higher level specialist institutions within the Arc including production, technology readiness level the Satellite Applications Catapult at testing and demonstration activities. Harwell, the wider national network of A significant opportunity exists for a satellite applications incubators and the distinct offer in relation to launch, 5G National Space Centre at Leicester. and in-orbit services. Buckinghamshire LEP with the Westcott Space Cluster Government is already working in will work with businesses to continue to partnership with the Space Industry establish critical business infrastructure and Westcott to support the growth and to address skill shortages for of this economic asset by investing technicians and propulsion test £4.12m in Westcott Venture Park specialists. This will result in a long- through the UK Space Agency. This term investment plan for Westcott and investment will establish the National support businesses in the cluster. Space Propulsion Test Facility. Government has also designated parts Pinewood Studios and of the Westcott site as an Enterprise the National Film and Zone. The Buckinghamshire LEP Television School has built on this national investment Pinewood Studios is a centre of through Local Growth Fund resources, excellence for film and TV production establishing incubation and innovation and has hosted internationally facilities and a 5G test bed on the site. renowned franchises including Star Wars and James Bond. There are over 250 business on the site and major expansion is currently underway.

22 The National Film and Television and has an outstanding outside School (NFTS) in Beaconsfield is broadcast network. Buckinghamshire the pre-eminent film, television and New University offers courses in games teaching institution in the UK audio and music production, film with alumni including multiple Oscar and TV production and animation. and BAFTA award winners. Last year, The film and TV sector is facing major the school itself won a BAFTA for change, with boundaries blurring ‘Outstanding British Contribution to between different platforms. Businesses Cinema’ and the Queen’s Anniversary need to adapt to open new markets Prize for Higher and Further Education. for experiential creative and digital The NFTS, with partners from content. Many SMEs in the creative immersive theatre, gaming, film and sector are linked to Pinewood and the television, performance capture and NFTS, making it essential to support virtual reality, have been selected by their links to these and other anchor the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund institutions, including universities Audience of the Future programme to and Catapult centres. A priority is to establish a £20m Centre for Excellence accelerate the adoption and diffusion in Immersive Storytelling exploiting of augmented reality and virtual reality cutting edge virtual, augmented technologies amongst such businesses, and mixed reality technologies. helping deliver the Creative Industries Buckinghamshire is also leading the Sector Deal target of doubling inward way in e-sports. It is home to the investment growth in the film and International eGames Committee high-end TV sector to £4bn by 2025.

23 Industrial Strategy Buckinghamshire Local Industrial Strategy

Silverstone Park and and TotalSim. The Silverstone Technology Cluster Technology Cluster proposes to The Silverstone Technology Cluster stimulate growth of Silverstone is an important component of the as part of the wider technology wider high technology cluster which ‘super-cluster’ by encouraging the spans the Arc. Over 4,000 businesses application of capabilities across in precision engineering are located new markets including medical within a one-hour radius of Silverstone. appliances, retail services including refrigeration and elite sports apparel. There is significant potential to enable further growth in this sector Digital Health, Med-Tech by growing and actively managing and Artificial Intelligence the Buckinghamshire LEP Silverstone The Buckinghamshire Life Sciences Enterprise Zone to stimulate potential Partnership is leading the development high technology crossovers. This of The Buckinghamshire Life Sciences means building a manufacturing base, Innovation Centre. Buckinghamshire utilising the specialist knowledge in is in the first wave of eight integrated areas such as additive manufacturing, care systems which will pioneer new aerodynamics and light-weighting approaches to health and care which to develop new linkages across will be piloted locally. Buckinghamshire automotive and advanced engineering is home to a number of global industry sectors into the aerospace, space, leaders in healthcare including clean-tech, health care, sport, Janssen/Johnson & Johnson and GE materials and electronic sectors. Healthcare. Stoke Mandeville is the A major challenge for the development UK’s national spinal centre, which has of the cluster will be drawing together considerable experience in managing sub-regional partners including in a nationally distributed patient cohort. the areas of battery development The planned major housing growth and engineering capability from in the area around Stoke Mandeville the University of Buckingham, as part of Aylesbury Garden Town, Cambridge’s cleantech, Pinewood and development of the Aylesbury Studios, Satellite Applications Catapult Woodlands site and Enterprise Zone, and UK Atomic Energy Authority, and provides Living Lab opportunities to major tech businesses such as Bosch, test the application of new technologies. KWSP, RedBull, Delta Motorsports

24 The two locations of the Life Sciences The forecasted housing growth for Innovation Campus located at Stoke Buckinghamshire provides the locality Mandeville and High Wycombe are in with an opportunity to improve the a position to draw in capability from connectivity between digital health distinct strengths in each location: and medical technology firms, house ``Stoke Mandeville is located in builders and health and social care proximity to the Silverstone and providers; to deliver a new approach Cranfield advanced materials and to create healthy new towns and performance technologies cluster; communities. Buckinghamshire LEP together with a new Health and Social ``High Wycombe is home to a Care network will seek to capitalise developed software and a digital on Buckinghamshire’s position. consultancy cluster; and ``Buckinghamshire New University and the University of Buckingham Medical School are active in healthcare education. Buckinghamshire LEP has also funded The University of Buckingham to develop a new School of Computing and a Centre for AI, in which high performance computing could be applied in healthcare.

25 Industrial Strategy Buckinghamshire Local Industrial Strategy

Mobilising Buckinghamshire’s four Internationally significant economic assets

Ambition: ``enhance key education, research, Buckinghamshire will capitalise on development and test facilities across and exploit the growth potential of the Westcott Space cluster; and its four nationally and internationally ``further collaborate on skills significant economic assets. development initiatives between To drive progress towards business and skills providers. achieving this priority, Creative and digital Buckinghamshire LEP will: Buckinghamshire LEP will work to: Upstream Space ``consolidate a global creative industries Develop a long-term investment capability and further support plan for Westcott and support exporting and inward investment businesses in the cluster to: in the film, TV and games sector; ``enhance networking across ``develop and enhance the Screen the space propulsion, launch, Industries Global Growth Hub unmanned aerial vehicle and at Pinewood Studios to improve Satellite Applications value chains; links between creative content ``raise the profile of UK capabilities providers and the wider business and in upstream space focussing specialist education networks both initially on propulsion systems; on and beyond the Pinewood lot; ``develop a Buckinghamshire Export ``secure investment in key research and Inward Investment Partnership facilities and programmes; and as a chapter of the wider Arc ``through the Creative Sector Action Internationalisation Plan, developed Group and Skills Advisory Panel, with the Department for International the LEP will work to: improve Trade. This plan will be based on collaboration between different Westcott space assets and linked to parts of the education system; other key sectors and global locations, engage businesses in identifying including working with government local priorities and challenges; to consolidate a global creative and supporting skills providers to industries capability in the area; respond to local economic priorities. ``attract investment from the finance community, large corporates and overseas investors;

26 Silverstone and advanced ``continue to build the capacity of the manufacturing Silverstone High-Tech Cluster to improve There is significant potential to enable networking opportunities across a wider further growth in this sector by growing ‘super-cluster’ from across the Arc. the Buckinghamshire LEP Silverstone Health and social care model Enterprise Zone to stimulate potential Buckinghamshire LEP, together with a high technology crossovers. This new Health and Social Care network, will means building a manufacturing base develop Buckinghamshire’s position to: with linkages across automotive and advanced engineering sectors into ``support collaboration between aerospace, space, clean-tech, health businesses and health and care care, materials and electronic sectors. providers who will deliver the Integrated Care System by using Buckinghamshire LEP and the Silverstone technology in adult social care; Technology Cluster propose the following expanding the capacity to support actions to stimulate growth of Silverstone business spin-outs from the Health as part of the wider technology cluster: Care Trusts and the Universities; ``ensure that business investment ``exploit the area’s heritage as the and financial incentive packages birthplace of the Paralympic Movement are focussed on SME innovation; positioning Buckinghamshire as ``support the development and the MedTech adoption accelerator application of emerging technologies to conduct product testing at-scale in companies in the Silverstone and provide degree apprenticeship Technology Cluster. This will be programmes dedicated to done by improving the linkages medical device regulation; and between firms within the cluster and ``use the opportunities offered by the knowledge base and enabling housing growth in the Aylesbury investment in the participating firms; Garden Town and surrounds to test ``develop the innovation ecosystem the application of new technologies to improve connectivity between which will provide further care directly businesses, and between businesses in people’s homes, and to advance and universities; taking advantage the use of technology within clinical of the network of entrepreneurs settings for remote healthcare associated with the University of monitoring and virtual clinical Buckingham with a track record of consultation supporting delivery of innovation and commercialisation and the Ageing Society Grand Challenge. other centres of research excellence; ``attract interest from the finance community, large corporates and overseas investors; and

27 Industrial Strategy Buckinghamshire Local Industrial Strategy

Government is already working in Park to establish the National Space partnership with Buckinghamshire Propulsion Test Facility; and LEP to support the delivery ``being part of the £150m of these priorities through: Creative Industries Sector Deal - ``allocating £73m through the Local Buckinghamshire LEP is a partner in Growth Fund allocation, including one of nine successful bids to host £1.8m of funding to the National an ambitious R&D partnership aimed Film and Television School (NFTS) at boosting the UK’s creative sector. in Beaconsfield to build a new The Story Futures project, part of the Immersive Technology and Digital Arts and Humanities ResearchCouncil Content Production Training Studios; Creative Industries Clusters ``designating Westcott and Silverstone Programme, will be led by Royal Park and Aylesbury Woodlands Holloway University of London and with Enterprise Zone status bring together world leading creative with tax breaks for business and and technology companies with the retention of business rates growth region’s SMEs to tackle the challenge for reinvestment by the LEP; of next-generation storytelling. ``£4.12m of investment by the UK Space Agency in Westcott Venture

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28 Ideas

Buckinghamshire: a ‘Living Lab’ and the home to new innovation

Buckinghamshire’s ambition

Buckinghamshire’s businesses will Buckinghamshire to drive commercial seek to double their investment innovation at speed and scale in R&D through enhanced, deep advancing the use and development and long-term R&D collaborations. of the latest technologies in the The public, private, academic and fields of health and social care and community sectors will work more clean energy. In turn it will exceed closely together to underpin a high- the national target of 2.4 per cent quality environment for testing, of GDP going into R&D by 2027, developing and commercialising leading to major improvements innovation. An enhanced innovation in businesses leadership; the ecosystem supported by closer development of new products and collaboration between businesses markets; and access to talent. and universities will enable

Buckinghamshire is home to nationally Kingdom, suggesting that constraints significant business agglomerations are resulting in diminished returns to and innovation assets: from the otherwise strong economic assets. Westcott Space Cluster, to Silverstone Buckinghamshire needs to be at the Circuit, Pinewood Studios and the forefront of government plans to area’s digital health cluster. Together, increase R&D investment to 2.4 per cent these are key players in increasing of GDP by 2027, however with fewer innovation across the Arc and the wider than one in five businesses undertaking UK, as well as forging international R&D, Buckinghamshire currently collaborations. More needs to be ranks only 28th among LEPs on this done to build on these assets and measure. Nevertheless, at 38.1 per ensure that Buckinghamshire’s cent, Buckinghamshire has the highest innovation ecosystem can thrive. proportion of businesses undertaking Despite high absolute productivity, product or service innovation, of the 38 Buckinghamshire’s productivity growth LEPs, and ranks second for new to the over the last five years has failed to market product and service innovation, match that recorded across the United with Arc LEPs taking all four top places.

29 Industrial Strategy Buckinghamshire Local Industrial Strategy

Buckinghamshire LEP also ranks fifth for disclosure agreements only go so far. the share of innovating firms engaged 9 The med-tech proposition in this in collaboration for innovation . Local Industrial Strategy will help More can also be done to support the to support further risk-taking in emerging clusters and networks that innovation, but this must be delivered support Buckinghamshire’s nationally at a scale and pace that delivers real significant business agglomerations. commercial opportunities. In addition, There is greater scope for universities, the formation of a new unitary council research organisations and centres of for Buckinghamshire presents an expertise in Buckinghamshire to support opportunity to stimulate local innovation the development of innovative businesses through its commissioning role. by stimulating graduate entrepreneurship, An additional challenge within the business spinouts and knowledge transfer region is businesses managing to scale- to support innovative businesses with up due to a tightening labour market the potential and ambition to grow. and the need to strengthen leadership Buckinghamshire will aim to grow skills. Significantly, the region has a low business capability to move ideas share of mid-sized growth businesses, into commercialisation at pace. The with few businesses making the ability to move early-stage ideas into a journey from micro to medium-sized commercial position can be hampered enterprise. More needs to be done by the limitations of existing non- to support scale-ups so that more disclosure agreements. There may, businesses achieve their potential. for example, be a need to develop an ‘innovation protector’, as standard non-

30 Driving innovation and R&D Actions Significant progress has already been Buckinghamshire LEP is proposing to made to ensure that Buckinghamshire’s establish an Innovation and Enterprise economy is ready for the future. A Board to secure maximum benefit from developing network of innovation the engagement of relevant institutions centres and support activities are and agencies in Buckinghamshire starting to nurture innovative start- and the national bodies that support up businesses in Buckinghamshire’s innovation and business growth. key sectors. To date, government i This will provide strong regional investment has been through Innovate engagement between the Growth Hub, UK programmes; Local Growth Fund universities, Innovate UK and other investment in - for - example, the relevant local and national stakeholders collaboration space at Westcott’s to shape a bespoke and sector-focussed Incubation Centre and the Centre innovation programme that builds for Entrepreneurs at the University upon initiatives already underway. of Buckingham; and funding for the Growth Hub. Private investment has The Board will guide development of included a new Bosch Innovation Centre the enterprise and innovation stands at its R&D headquarters in Denham. of future programmes to support both new to market innovations, the There is now an opportunity to diffusion of such innovation and best harness these assets and major practice to increase the productivity of developments to drive innovation other businesses, their entrepreneurial through new ‘Living Labs’. The scale skills and access to essential finance of new development envisaged in that ambitious businesses require. Buckinghamshire, provides an even greater opportunity to develop and roll The Board will foster links with out leading-edge products, services institutions, agencies and LEPs in and solutions in real-life situations, to neighbouring areas, for example, across support their commercialisation. This the Arc, and in other areas of the would draw on existing expertise in UK and beyond with complementary the area, and beyond including the strengths. Through these actions, the Satellite Applications Catapult, The Board will ensure that the benefits of University of Buckingham, the Regional programmes that support, innovation, Energy Hub, the Connected Places technology readiness and adoption, Catapult and patient trials at Stoke and entrepreneurship are effectively Mandeville Hospital. This driver will be delivered to result in more knowledge- key to delivering Buckinghamshire’s driven growth in Buckinghamshire. Grand Challenge ambitions around the Ageing Society and Clean Growth.

31 Industrial Strategy Buckinghamshire Local Industrial Strategy

A living lab and the home to new innovation

Ambition: will act as a broker, bringing together Buckinghamshire’s businesses will business and public expertise to drive seek to double their investment in innovation where there is demand. R&D through enhanced, deep and Working with local partners across long-term R&D collaborations. This the Arc, Buckinghamshire will also: will enable Buckinghamshire to drive commercial innovation at speed ``Harness the collective strength and scale, advancing the use and of the Arc’s research base will be development of the latest technologies essential. The new Arc Universities in health and social care and clean Group will act as the focal point energy. In turn the county will exceed from cross-Arc collaboration on the national target of 2.4 per cent science and research, identifying of GDP going into R&D by 2027. and delivering joint R&D projects and providing a pipeline of talent to To drive progress towards knowledge-intensive businesses. achieving this priority, ``Strengthen its ability for businesses Buckinghamshire will: to commercialise ideas coming out ``Establish an Innovation and Enterprise of its universities, research and Board comprising key local and commercial centres. Key to this will national stakeholders that will build on be a network of ‘Living Labs’ that Buckinghamshire’s unique capabilities both trial technologies linked to new and connect the innovation and developments across the Arc and entrepreneurial ecosystems to help address the Grand Challenges. support ambitious business and Arc partners will also use assets so rapidly translate new ideas into such as Westcott, Silverstone and knowledge-driven growth in the area. Pinewood to establish new networks ``Drive innovation through new ‘Living that support the convergence Labs’, including the Aylesbury Garden of technologies across sectors Town. These ‘Labs’ will bring together and seek to develop emerging existing expertise in the area and innovation hubs and locations. beyond - including the Satellite ``Seek to grow its role as a global Applications Catapult, the University research and innovation hub, acting of Buckingham, the Regional Energy as a UK magnet for international Hub, the Connected Places Catapult talent, R&D, foreign direct investment and patient trials at Stoke Mandeville and research collaborations. The Hospital - to test emerging technologies LEPs and MCA will work with the in real world environments. Bucks LEP Department for International

32 Trade, the Arc Universities Group ``Investing £25m to support and others to channel foreign research and innovation in investment in the assets and projects Buckinghamshire through Innovate that will make the biggest impact UK’s competitive bidding rounds. on Arc-wide and UK growth. ``Supporting R&D of new transport Buckinghamshire businesses will systems and technologies across the collaborate more effectively with the Arc through investment by the Centre whole skills and labour market system for Connected and Autonomous to ensure the available talent is inspired Vehicles (CCAV), the Office for Low and equipped with the necessary Emission Vehicles (OLEV), UKRI, skills to support the future growth Zenzic (formerly known as Meridian of the economy whilst supporting Mobility) and Innovate UK. those who face barriers to entering ``Working with the LEPs within the Arc and progressing in work. High quality and other local partners, including career paths, beginning with inspiring England’s Economic Heartland, to: work experience opportunities, will provide the workforce of the future ––support the delivery of the Future with the aspiration and skills to work in of Mobility Grand Challenge mission Buckinghamshire’s leading businesses and Road to Zero Strategy: utilising in creative, space, digital health and the considerable R&D assets within high value manufacturing sectors the Arc to put the UK at the forefront of the design and manufacturing of Government is working in partnership zero emission vehicles, supporting with Buckinghamshire LEP to support government’s commitment to end the delivery of this priority through: the sale of new conventional petrol ``£73m Local Growth Fund and diesel cars and vans by 2040; allocation including: ––build on the Arc’s existing role ––Westcott Incubation Centre as a testbed for new transport and 5G Testbed; technologies, such as automated ––Silverstone Innovation Centre; vehicles and drones, working with government and Zenzic to access ––Buckinghamshire Life Sciences and existing R&D support, and identify Innovation Centre at Bucks New further opportunities to trial new University in High Wycombe and mobility services within the Arc; and at Stoke Mandeville Hospital; and ––support local authorities within the ––The Vinson Centre for Arc to implement the Principles of Entrepreneurship at the the Future of Mobility Urban Strategy, University of Buckingham. providing guidance on design and planning to ensure new communities are designed and built to enable new approaches to mobility.

33 Industrial Strategy Buckinghamshire Local Industrial Strategy People

A skills and inspiration revolution

Buckinghamshire’s ambition

Buckinghamshire businesses will high value manufacturing sectors. collaborate more effectively with High quality career paths, beginning the whole skills and labour market with inspiring work experience system to ensure the available opportunities, will provide the talent is inspired and equipped workforce of the future with the with the necessary skills to aspiration and skills to work in support the future growth of the Buckinghamshire’s leading businesses economy whilst supporting those in creative, space, digital health and who face barriers to entering and high value manufacturing sectors. progressing in work. High quality career paths, beginning with High quality career paths, beginning with inspiring work experience inspiring work experience opportunities, will provide the opportunities, will provide the workforce of the future with the workforce of the future with the aspiration and skills to work in aspiration and skills to work in Buckinghamshire’s leading businesses Buckinghamshire’s leading businesses in creative, space, digital health and in creative, space, digital health and high value manufacturing sectors.

Buckinghamshire has a highly The demographic profile of productive economy with a dynamic Buckinghamshire shows that the and resilient employment base population in the 20-30 age group underpinned by a strong and high- is 10 per cent below the national quality SME business community. average, largely as a result of young Its labour pool has a wide people not returning to the area after employment catchment with a range completing University courses. of opportunities in neighbouring areas especially London.

34 35 Industrial Strategy Buckinghamshire Local Industrial Strategy

By providing more relevant and ``Buckinghamshire Education, Skills informed careers information through and Training (BEST) partnership the schools system, highlighting between Buckinghamshire inspiring career opportunities College Group & Buckinghamshire available within the local area, New University, works across Buckinghamshire will help to retain educational boundaries to bring a more talent within the locality. new holistic approach to working Moreover, Buckinghamshire has a very with employers and individuals well-educated population, with 48.2 to provide flexible and creative per cent of working age residents with education and training solutions. NVQ level 4+ (the fourth highest of ``Buckinghamshire Skills Hub was all LEP areas) and a high proportion established by Buckinghamshire working in the high-tech sector (1 in 10). Local Enterprise Partnership to Anchor Institutions & Partnerships address the challenges identified in Buckinghamshire above, in partnership with Buckinghamshire Business First ``Buckinghamshire Association (BBF). The Hub participates in of Secondary Headteachers a national programmes as well as network of all secondary school developing local solutions. The under and academy headteachers in the 19 Skills Programme promotes links Buckinghamshire LEP area, helping between employers and educators, provide an effective link for the delivering through a range of growing Enterprise Advisor network. national and local programmes to ``Bucks University Technical College deliver the Gadsby benchmarks. (UTC) specialising in developing ``University Campus Aylesbury education and skills with relevance Vale providing higher and further to the construction computing education courses, including sectors. Its industry partners, which apprenticeships, with a strong include Taylor Wimpey, Cisco and emphasis on working with employers. McAfee, ensure students gain skills, motivation and access a genuine work-related learning experience improving employability. ``Silverstone University Technical College (UTC), provides a centre of excellence for young people wanting to break into specialist fields of high-performance engineering and business & technical events management.

36 To tackle the skills challenge, represent both a significant opportunity Buckinghamshire partners need to at a national level but a challenge for work across the whole skills system Buckinghamshire. The roll out of T to address productivity issues levels will support opportunities for relating to skill shortages through expanding the current vocational a skills and inspiration revolution, learning opportunities. There particularly in creative-tech careers. are clear opportunities around This programme will ensure that a industry placements to work with high-quality choice is available to all, businesses to commit to a minimum raising aspirations and ambitions, of 45 days of work experience and leading to inspiring career paths and to develop occupationally specific exciting well-paid jobs. This will ensure practical and technical skills. a radical approach to technical and vocational education can be adopted. Actions The Local Industrial Strategy will be In delivering this new generation delivered in such a way as to ensure of technical education, the that the planned interventions around Buckinghamshire business base is enterprise advice, careers networks readying itself through the refreshed and improvements to STEM and Skills Advisory Panel (SAP) and technical skills are met effectively embryonic Sector Skills Groups to through private sector relationships. ensure greater involvement from the private sector to set and drive the The opportunity is to build on what is agenda. The Skills Advisory Panel already there and to build long-term will build the local evidence base on sustainability into programmes that skills challenges and ensure provision have shown a clear and direct impact. locally is fit for purpose if people are Established programmes such as to be supported to enter, remain and Young Enterprise and the activities of progress in work throughout their lives. the Buckinghamshire Skills Hub are doing good work in making connections between school and the world of work but suffer from limited and short- term resources which do not match the challenge. T levels, new flagship technical education programmes,

37 Industrial Strategy Buckinghamshire Local Industrial Strategy

A skills and inspiration revolution

Ambition: ––work with employers across the High quality career paths, beginning area to facilitate effective use of with inspiring work experience the apprenticeship levy through opportunities will provide the transfer flexibilities; and workforce of the future with the ––inspire the workforce of the future aspiration and skills to work in to work in Buckinghamshire’s Buckinghamshire’s leading businesses leading businesses in space, in creative, space, digital health and creative, high value manufacturing high value manufacturing sectors. and digital health. To drive progress towards Working with local partners across achieving this priority, the Arc Buckinghamshire will also: Buckinghamshire LEP will: ``Review labour market intelligence ``Develop new employer-led models across the Arc, to gain a better to address growing skills, aiming to: understanding of how skills provision ––build on current engagement with is currently delivered and funding the Careers and Enterprise Company, utilised. This will include working closely the National Careers Service and with the Department for Education the Buckinghamshire Careers Hub, and providers across the Arc to to establish a prestigious, structured consider how local provision supports careers offer which provides clear objectives within this strategy and work pathways from school into support the collaborative ambitions work. This work will be overseen of the Arc Universities Group. by the Skills Advisory Panel; ``Work with local employers to increase ––in addition, the SAP will build upon apprenticeship uptake across the high levels of business interest the Arc, supporting employers to to work with the Department maximise their Apprenticeship Levy for Education to boost industry contributions and drive social mobility. placements in disciplines befitting ``Work with local employers and the Buckinghamshire economy. Jobcentre Plus to support the effective This will include engaging with role of T levels and utilise local labour and encouraging employers market intelligence to work with to build capability ahead of providers to consider how the local T the roll out of T levels; level offer will support local businesses.

38 ``Establish an Arc-wide skills marketplace, ``Building on the existing Silverstone UTC enabling the LEPs to continue to build and Bucks UTC to provide specialist on the positive working relationships vocational opportunities for under-16s. with the Careers Enterprise Company ``Allocating £73m through the and other careers services. This will Local Growth Fund including: utilise the evidence provided by each Skills Advisory Panel, connecting ––transforming Buckinghamshire businesses with skills providers and College Group’s Estate; people with targeted support including ––establishing world class training facilities apprenticeships, STEM skills, T levels, including the world’s first 4K film technical and degree apprenticeships. studio in a learning environment at Government is working in partnership the National Film and TV School; and with Buckinghamshire LEP to support ––developing innovation hub and the delivery of this priority by: community digital outreach facilities for ``Developing a Skills Advisory the University College Aylesbury Vale. Panel to build the local evidence base on skills challenges and provision in Buckinghamshire. ``Establishing the Buckinghamshire Careers Hub as part of the Phase 1 programme supported by the Careers and Enterprise Company.

39 Industrial Strategy Buckinghamshire Local Industrial Strategy Infrastructure

Buckinghamshire’s Digital The England’s Economic Heartland Super-Highway Sub-national Transport Body supported Buckinghamshire is at the heart of by the Buckinghamshire LEP will lead a number of nationally significant on the connectivity programme for infrastructure initiatives. the Arc and recognise the significance of these connections for the benefit Transformative east-west infrastructure of the regional economy. This will including the Oxford-Cambridge ensure that Buckinghamshire can Expressway and East West Rail will realise the full benefits of wider improve connectivity for many of investment in large-scale infrastructure Buckinghamshire’s businesses and – be that Crossrail, Aylesbury Vale residents, but the benefits will only truly Garden Town or the proposed be delivered if the major road network Oxford-Cambridge Expressway, to and local roads are linked to the new build beyond the current investment developments. This connectivity will pipeline in a way that is future- service the needs of the new economy, proof and ensures an improvement reducing pressure on first-mile-last- to the overall environment. mile to support a more productive business base. It is important that In delivering this large-scale much needed north-south connectivity infrastructure investment, there is an including surface access to Heathrow opportunity to address relatively low through schemes such as Crossrail, levels of connectivity to improve the western access to Heathrow and a ‘digital spine’ with a compelling case new access to Old Oak Common via for focusing on digital infrastructure to the Chiltern Line service are delivered raise productivity in Buckinghamshire alongside the east-west investment. especially within Enterprise Zone sites and areas of high R&D potential. Data oriented sectors in Buckinghamshire have been the strongest driver of growth in terms of new business formation and employment17, and Buckinghamshire has a high location quotient for computer consultancy and creative-digital media sectors.

40 These sectors have benefitted from at the areas of highest growing the expansion of infrastructure demand and high levels of disparity in provision leading to employment coverage require a more broad-based and productivity growth. whole-area approach to address. Buckinghamshire has significant assets Across Buckinghamshire, the to support future growth in digital percentage of premises that are able sectors, both established and emerging. to receive ‘superfast’ broadband (24- It has a very high skills base11, high levels 30mbps download) is low across much of entrepreneurialism12 with advantages of the rural geography, despite recent in terms of the maturity and acumen investment. Buckinghamshire remains of local business leaders13. It has an behind national levels of fibre to the established cluster and network; premises coverage with a current and the University of Buckingham is coverage in the county of 3.6 per cent expanding its School of Computing compared to four per cent nationally. and AI. Commercial routes to market Across the Arc, Buckinghamshire in London and wider demand for remains behind its counterparts: in digital media content are supported superfast coverage and download through commercial anchors such speeds accessed the imperative to as Pinewood, while the healthy start- solve this market failure is of strategic up and micro-business base provide importance to Buckinghamshire. local demand for specialist computer In addition to the increase in broadband management consultancy services. coverage, the LEP has also overseen Despite these assets, however, the development of new innovative action must be taken to address the technology clusters. Local Growth coverage and quality of broadband Fund investment in 5G test bed provision. While action has been facilities within Westcott Enterprise taken to significantly reduce the gap Zone, has put Buckinghamshire at in coverage and close the difference the forefront on the next level of with the national benchmark, coverage innovation in telecommunications. remains below the national average14. Furthermore, 15 community fibre In terms of the quality of coverage, partnerships have either been signed Buckinghamshire has, to some extent, or have already been completed within benefitted from the application of Buckinghamshire since the start of ‘inside out’ approaches to ultra-fast 2016, showing an appetite for locally provision. While targeting under- sourced and funded digital solutions. served areas this is yet to deliver quality improvements targeted

41 Industrial Strategy Buckinghamshire Local Industrial Strategy

Actions Resilient and future-proofed physical This strategy will ensure that and digital infrastructure will support Buckinghamshire benefits from the Buckinghamshire businesses to boost planned investment in road and rail productivity. Advanced investment in across the Arc and develop a stronger major transport infrastructure alongside relationship with Old Oak Common. a range of different digital technologies Investment in infrastructure will be will create a diverse and buoyant required to deliver this programme telecommunications marketplace. of activity on digital connectivity Investment in ‘state of the art’ reflecting the importance of digital infrastructure technologies will support infrastructure to the local economy. businesses and individuals to adopt and exploit ‘cutting edge’ digital applications.

42 Buckinghamshire’s digital super highway

Ambition: ``Support work on surface Resilient and future-proofed connectivity to Heathrow Airport physical and digital infrastructure and resilience for the rail access to will support Buckinghamshire London is maintained by helping businesses to boost productivity. to progress the business plan for the old Oak Common connection To drive progress towards for the Chiltern Rail Network and to achieving this priority, BLEP / deliver on schedule the approved Buckinghamshire will establish the key East-West connections. Productive Places Programme. To achieve this, ``Putting Buckinghamshire at the Buckinghamshire will: forefront of digital innovation by addressing digital connectivity ``Begin mapping digital coverage bottlenecks and ensuring that digital including cellular, 5G and requirements are planned in as a broadband to support wider basic infrastructure requirement commercial development. for new developments. Action will also be taken to: ``Working with major infrastructure ``Work with the England’s Economic providers to promote the Heartland and emerging Sub-Regional digital connectivity interests of Transport Body to progress local Buckinghamshire, particularly in ambitions on: east / west connectivity, cases such as HS2, Expressway, improving resilience through north East-West Rail and Heathrow where / south routes and strengthening the benefits will impact not only access through Old Oak Common. Buckinghamshire, but partners ``develop a new digital investment within the growth corridor and strategy to help target investment in turn national productivity. into gigabit connectivity; ``Supporting businesses with high ``secure broadband provision through value potential in, for example, the community fibre partnerships; and digital and care sectors, exploiting “Smart City” concepts linked to local ``support businesses to take advantage planned Garden Town Developments’. of the benefits of digital infrastructure.

43 Industrial Strategy Buckinghamshire Local Industrial Strategy

Working with local partners ``work with government across the across the Arc Buckinghamshire wider Arc to explore proposals for new LEP will also: approaches to funding infrastructure, as set out in government’s response ``collaborate with Department for to National Infrastructure Commission Transport, Highways England, the East Report at Autumn Statement 2018. West Rail Company and England’s Economic Heartland to expand the Government is working in partnership economic benefits of planned strategic with Buckinghamshire LEP to transport links and improvements support the delivery of the digital to the Major Roads network across infrastructure priority by: the Arc and develop the first-mile- ``Allocating £73m through the last-mile connections to them; Local Growth Fund including: ``work with government to develop a ––the Connected Counties Project – shared evidence base for the current connecting homes and businesses and future energy needs of the Arc, to superfast broadband; including through the identification of opportunities to test new energy ––the Westcott 5G test bed; policies or approaches within the Arc; ––delivery of the Aylesbury ``work with government to identify Eastern Link Road (Southern) and diffuse best practice on digital and Stocklake Link (Rural); infrastructure planning in the Arc ––delivery of the A355 and explore opportunities to align ImprovementScheme connecting new transport infrastructure with Amershamand the A413 to digital infrastructure in the Arc. the northand Beaconsfield This will aim to support industry to and theM40 to the south; accelerate the roll-out of full fibre networks, enabling accelerated growth ––a town Centre transport of 5G technologies across the Arc; improvementpackage in High Wycombe; and ``work to standardise public data where possible, and with support from ––enhanced rail connectivity government policy experts, to ensure between Marlow and the that the opportunities to collect and Crossrailservice at Maidenhead. capitalise on data are utilised – with a ``Funding Buckinghamshire LEP to view to addressing Grand Challenges develop its local Energy Strategy around the Future of Mobility, the and supporting implementation Ageing Society, and Clean Growth; and via the South East Energy Hub.

44 45 Industrial Strategy Buckinghamshire Local Industrial Strategy Business environment

Capitalising on scale-up potential have expressed concerns about the Buckinghamshire needs to grow its difficulties they face in engaging with overall productivity and therefore its universities in a meaningful way and overall contribution to the UK economy the focus of much investment and by helping businesses to improve their incentive packages on large businesses productivity, their desire to innovate rather than SMEs who are often put and reduce their costs. In order to off accessing current support services do so, a targeted programme of high due to time constraints, match funding calibre business support is required to commitments and the bureaucratic encourage aspirational businesses to nature of some programmes. innovate, reduce costs and enhance In Buckinghamshire, one of the major their resilience in the face of increased opportunities to stimulate growth global competition. The ability to stems from ‘locking-in’ the value of future-proof the support offer and potential growth into the locality by secure commitment for funding for improving the connectivity between locally defined support will be critical. these opportunities and local supply Buckinghamshire is largely a micro chains (using a well-established firm economy, with a small number model of local wealth creation). of large, international firms and a With respect to opportunity strong track record for new business Buckinghamshire LEP has high start-ups. This profile is maintained by levels of entrepreneurialism15 with a strong track record of stimulating advantages in terms of the maturity start-ups and encouraging business and acumen of local business leaders16. survival, but more could be done to Buckinghamshire has established new support businesses to enhance their clusters and networks through the productivity and advance scale-up 12,000 Bucks Business First Growth to achieve their full potential and Hub members representing one third contribute more to the economy. of all businesses in Buckinghamshire. Encouraging entrepreneurs and firms Commercial routes to market in to invest in business improvement London and wider demand for activities is generally made easier digital media content are supported by business stability, high levels of through commercial anchors such public investment in business support as Pinewood, while the healthy start- and the overall continuity and quality up and micro-business base provide of delivery. However, businesses local demand for specialist computer management consultancy services.

46 Data oriented sectors in of the wider high technology cluster Buckinghamshire have been the which has a prime location between strongest driver of growth in terms London and the Midlands Engine. of new business formation and More needs to be done to support employment and digital technology scale-up so that more businesses – namely growth in computer achieve their potential. This includes consultancy – is driving creative growth the better use of data to target growing which will be further stimulated by businesses; enhanced leadership the Buckinghamshire LEP through and access to talent; access to and LGF investment in a new school of take-up of finance; improved access computing and artificial intelligence to markets through international at the University of Buckingham. trade and government procurement The digital sector itself is the fastest and better supply chain support. growing ‘major’ employment sector since 2010 in Buckinghamshire The achievement of this goal is LEP (+59 per cent; +6850 jobs). dependent on the better use of data A significant portion of creative to identify supply chain opportunities industry strength therefore lies in its and target businesses with scale-up connection with the high-tech sector. potential; inspiring businesses to invest in business improvement; driving the Buckinghamshire can draw on take up of leadership and management different spheres of tech expertise development programmes; improving across the corridor. There are also the quality and relevance of skills significant potential benefits from programmes; improving investment Silverstone’s position at the centre

47 Industrial Strategy Buckinghamshire Local Industrial Strategy readiness services and access to is to respond to the challenges and finance; and supporting businesses to opportunities posed by EU exit and access new markets, through more address the long tail of productivity. effective international trade and public Future proofing the existing offer to sector procurement opportunities. secure a commitment to continuity Buckinghamshire Business First with its of funding for locally delivered unprecedented business reach, and its support and strengthen the offer to top-ranking Local Growth Hub is ideally better inspire and make possible the placed to integrate and co-ordinate this growth aspirations of the region’s support, to provide businesses with businesses and entrepreneurs is a holistic set of solutions, packaged required. This should include: to meet their particular needs. It can ``establishing a strong eco-system also provide valuable intelligence of business support – plugging to inform the development of new gaps and making links with the business support solutions, to meet specialist services that can have the articulated needs of business. a direct impact on scaling up Actions ambitious businesses; and To support the growth of ambitious ``stimulating growth aspiration – businesses, Buckinghamshire needs working with ambitious entrepreneurs to plug gaps in the specialist support to promote a highly positive marketplace that can have a direct culture of business investment. impact on helping to scale-up ambitious businesses, particularly if the county

48 Turbo charging Buckinghamshire’s entrepreneurial businesses

Ambition: ``supply chain development: a Buckinghamshire will nurture a programme of supply chain highly positive culture of business mapping and development driven investment helping businesses to by a detailed analysis of market thrive and compete in increasingly need, trade flows and opportunities competitive markets. for investment at scale; Through the Local Growth Hub ``rural business support: an offer that Buckinghamshire will take action fits the rural economy which can be to stimulate business productivity, broken into strong land and food- reduce business costs and based parts of the local economy but commercialise innovation to support also homeworkers in rural locations; the growth of small and start-up ``incubation and co-working spaces: businesses in Buckinghamshire. develop new and enhanced high These actions include: quality business accommodation with access to plug and play services ``leadership and management combining 3D printers, ultrafast development: expanding mentoring broadband and collaborative and business growth programmes working practises. This will delivered by a range of providers deliver the leadership capacity such as Be the Business, particularly that firms need to grow into new in Enterprise Zone and Business domestic and overseas markets; Improvement Districts, to be coordinated by the Local Growth ``collaboration tools: creating a new Hub, to support business scale sharing platform where employers up aspirations and capability; can share resources, facilities etc. to prevent down time and the risk ––innovation support: A programme of incurring additional costs; of direct Growth Hub stimulus to encourage innovation and to incentivise investment in R&D;

49 Industrial Strategy Buckinghamshire Local Industrial Strategy

``establishing an innovation and Working with local partners enterprise board comprising key across the Arc Buckinghamshire local and national stakeholders that LEP will also: will build on Buckinghamshire’s ``work with government, within existing unique capabilities and connect budgets, to develop improved, the innovation and entrepreneurial joined-up business support for ecosystems to support ambitious high-growth firms across the Arc, business and so maximise knowledge- developing an Arc-wide offer to driven growth in the area; and different kinds of business; ``working with the Department for ``work with the British Business Bank International Trade, the LEP will to help SMEs in the Arc to access seek to develop a Buckinghamshire the finance they need to grow Export and Inward Investment their businesses. Local partners Partnership as a chapter of the across the Arc will also explore the wider Arc Internationalisation Plan. existing landscape and any gaps in This plan will be based on Westcott finance for businesses, as well as space assets and linked to other the establishment of an Arc-wide key sectors and global locations, business angel network to better including working with government engage with early-stage investors; to consolidate a global creative industries capability in the area. ``work with government to develop a shared understanding of market failures in creating new commercial premises within the Arc, bringing together a range of analysis already being undertaken locally, regionally, and nationally; and ``work with the Department for International Trade to encourage greater trade and inward investment, building on existing engagement at LEP level and including the development of an Oxford-Cambridge Arc Internationalisation Delivery Plan.

50 Government is working ––a package of Local Growth Funding in partnership with the to support an open Innovation Buckinghamshire LEP to support Centre at Silverstone with access the delivery of this priority by: to world leading wind tunnel and ``maintaining and strengthening aerodynamics testing facilities; and the Local Growth Hub – as the ––the establishment of incubation first stop shop of support. facilities for the digital and health ``allocating £73m through the sectors in Aylesbury, Stoke Local Growth Fund including: Mandeville and High Wycombe. ––supporting Arla / Woodlands as a key employment location by putting in place infrastructure to facilitate business growth to open up the Enterprise Zone site for commercial development;

51 Industrial Strategy Buckinghamshire Local Industrial Strategy Places

Buckinghamshire is a long county running from the global gateway at Heathrow and London on its southern boundary and the midlands to the north and will play a critical role as the keystone of the Oxford-Cambridge Arc. The current population is around There is a high level of academic 550,000 and supports a business base attainment, particularly from the of almost 34,000 registered companies. Buckinghamshire grammar school The action proposed in this Local system, and the two universities Industrial Strategy to mobilise – University of Buckingham which Buckinghamshire’s economic assets has successfully pioneered two-year exploits the power of the area’s degrees and Buckinghamshire New geography (see Figure 3), with: University which provides a focus on vocational learning. Further education ``Pinewood and the National Film in Buckinghamshire has been and Television School at the heart strengthened by the establishment of a of a creative industries cluster in new Buckinghamshire College Group. the South of Buckinghamshire taking maximum advantage of the The economy of Buckinghamshire connectivity to London and Heathrow; enjoys a close relationship with Milton Keynes, (which is part of the ceremonial ``Stoke Mandeville and the planned county of Buckinghamshire), Oxford housing growth at Aylesbury and through into the wider Thames Garden Town creating the Valley. Transport connections have conditions for the living lab in the been traditionally strong with London centre of Buckinghamshire; but less so with many neighbouring ``the nature of the site at the Westcott areas: this will change with major Venture Park and its location in the East West investment, but these Arc enabling it to form a key element benefits will only be fully realised if the in the UK’s space infrastructure; and connections to the major and local road network are enhanced. Many major ``the location of the Silverstone Park national infrastructure projects are and technology cluster in the north being delivered within or close to the of Buckinghamshire putting it at the county over the next decade including core of the Arc’s world leadership High Speed 2, the global gateways as in advanced manufacturing. part of Heathrow and Luton Airport expansions, Western Access to

52 Heathrow and Crossrail in addition to Aylesbury is the fastest growing the East West Rail and Expressway town or city in the county having projects highlighted previously. increased in size by 16.6 per cent There is a major opportunity presented since 2011 with significant growth to for economic growth around main follow over the next 10 years. The transport hubs including Chiltern Rail town has secured Garden Town Status. routes, a potential new rail connection The use of Garden Town-planning to Old Oak Common and development principles, new technologies and of the wider M40 corridor. There disruptive housing delivery will form are important natural constraints on a technological testbed to integrate growth with almost 50 per cent of the new communities and improve the area being designated Green Belt and/ quality of life for existing residents. or an Area of Outstanding Natural Outside of the main settlements, Beauty. Significant housing growth some of Buckinghamshire’s most is proposed which will be supported important economic assets, including by further business infrastructure Pinewood Studios, Westcott Venture investment to grow local employment Park and Silverstone Park, have opportunities, minimise unnecessary adapted to grasp new opportunities journeys, increase productivity and to and forge international reputations help enhance the natural environment from established rural locations which is one of Buckinghamshire’s and capitalise of the unique global most important assets. talents of their respective workforces High Wycombe is just 23 minutes and wider business ecosystems. from Marylebone and for the first Actions time in almost 100 years now has Place is a central theme of this strategy. a direct rail connection to Oxford. The actions have a core place focus It is the traditional gateway to the and intend to use the planned major Thames Valley and a university town development in Buckinghamshire as with a strong base in the creative a platform for testing, applying and and digital sectors, the opportunity commercialising ideas and innovations. exists to build on the towns economic There is also commitment to ensuring strengths through the development that action is taken to make the area of the central station quarter and a more attractive and affordable other key town centre locations. place to live, work and invest.

53 Industrial Strategy Buckinghamshire Local Industrial Strategy

Mobilising Buckinghamshire’s economic assets

54 Investing in Buckinghamshire’s future

Ambition: Working with local partners Maximising Buckinghamshire’s across the Arc Buckinghamshire geography to mobilise internationally LEP will also: significant economic assets. ``consider ways to contribute towards To drive progress towards the government’s Clean Growth Grand achieving this priority, Challenge mission to at least halve the Buckinghamshire LEP will: energy use of new buildings by 2030, supporting the Arc’s wider ambition ``use local capital budgets to to create clean, energy efficient and capitalise on connections to the sustainable communities for all. major and local road network; ``Ensure that the environment in ``build on its traditional manufacturing the Arc is left in a better state base through the development for future generations: of the central station quarter at High Wycombe and other ––embodying England’s 25 Year key town centre locations; Environment Plan which sets out our comprehensive approach to ``Build on Aylesbury’s garden town improving landscapes and habitats, status by considering locally led and the aspiration to move to a policy options to deploy new technologies of net environmental gain in future; and disruptive housing delivery, which could support the development ––engaging with government to of a technological testbed to help co-design a local natural capital integrate new communities and planning approach for the Arc, improve the quality of life for existing ensuring that the wider work residents around the town. on productivity is aligned; ``ensure new and existing growth ––using intelligent and sensitive areas are linked and serviced by design in new housing and sustainable infrastructure; and infrastructure developments; and ``working with local partners to develop ––considering ways to maximise the business case for a Productive environmental expertise across the and Healthy Places Programme to Arc and to empower the business support the delivery of the place community to champion and strand of this Local Industrial Strategy. support the Arc’s natural assets.

55 Industrial Strategy Buckinghamshire Local Industrial Strategy

Government is working in partnership ``the extension of the test facilities at with Buckinghamshire LEP to support the Westcott Venture Park to support the delivery of this priority by: the wider use of 5G applications within ``investing over £280m, since Health and Social Care, clinical and 2010, through Homes England, to emergency services applications; support housing delivery across ``working with England’s Economic Buckinghamshire and supporting Heartland programme and local future Housing Infrastructure partners to explore provision for Fund programmes in Aylesbury. extended community access to the digital capacity alongside the new Buckinghamshire Productive transport corridors including East West Healthy Places Programme Rail, High Speed 2 and the Expressway; Action to make the towns ``work with the planning system inBuckinghamshire attractive to and developers to encourage the businesses and employees in the adoption of early stage technologies creative and digital sector is key to in all future developments; and delivering the LIS. As is the design and development of Aylesbury ``support for future town centre Garden Town in a way which supports investment programmes stimulating Buckinghamshire’s living lab ambitions. the innovation and advanced use of The proposed Buckinghamshire digital services and retail investment. Productive Healthy Places Programme, bringing together local partners to deliver this programme including: ``a collaboration between local government, developers and service providers to exploit the potential of new housing development, particularly at Aylesbury Garden Town, as a test bed and commercialisation platform for new and emerging technologies;

56 Grand Challenges

Buckinghamshire’s focus is to: Ageing Society: pioneering the ``lead the way in the development development of ‘encore’ careers of ‘encore’ careers in the UK The demographic pressures of the in a way which increases the ageing society are more acute in productivity of micro businesses Buckinghamshire than in many other and supports an Ageing Society; places. The population in the 20-30 age group is 10 per cent below national ``establish an open data store to average and conversely for the 80+ support the commercialisation age group is 10 per cent above the of new goods and services and national average. A distinctive feature public service reform to develop of Buckinghamshire is the large AI and data opportunities; number of micro businesses. Encore ``reduce the need for car ownership careers provide an opportunity to link by providing greater public transport these two features. Encore careers accessibility and choice to support come towards the end of people’s the Future of Mobility Challenge; and working lives and provide both ``work with government to halve the fulfilment and an income, contributing energy use of new buildings by 2030. to people’s health and wellbeing. Buckinghamshire aims to become a centre of excellence for supporting encore careers with a particular focus on micro businesses. This would form an element of the work programme to stimulate business productivity which would provide businesses support to encore career entrepreneurs and enable networking and collaboration between them.

57 Industrial Strategy Buckinghamshire Local Industrial Strategy

AI and Data: establishing The Future of Mobility: an open data store reducing car ownership The creation of a new unitary council Unless directly addressed there is a in Buckinghamshire provides a unique danger that additional economic growth opportunity for a new approach to and development in Buckinghamshire the collection, availability and use will generate increased congestion. of data. Data is key to driving public This will have significant implications service transformation and to creating for productivity, health and well- opportunities for new commercially being and the attractiveness of the provided products and services. area as a place to live and work. It is also relevant to the Concepts such as the peer-to- exploitation of Buckinghamshire’s peer sharing economy and waste economic assets and drivers. minimisation will be applied in the Developing an open data store would transport field to reduce both car transform the scope for collaboration ownership and use. Locations such between businesses and public as Silverstone, Westcott and Cressex service providers in Buckinghamshire, in High Wycombe are already creating new business opportunities looking at demand-led transport and improved services for residents services and car and bike sharing including, for example, transport schemes have also been explored. information, encouraging physical Possible pilot projects include: activity and providing health ``giving priority to a public fleet of and care in people’s homes. e-vehicles in key locations and routes; ``introducing responsive transport services between major business locations and transport hubs; and ``working with England’s Economic Heartland to establish a connected and autonomous vehicles testbed across the Arc.

58 Clean Growth: minimising the Buckinghamshire partners will work energy use in new buildings with government to ensure major Buckinghamshire has been designated new developments incorporate the as a major growth area and it is latest technologies to minimise energy important that the latest construction usage in construction and across methods are included in new housing the lifetime of the premises. The and commercial properties. Aylesbury Garden Town development will act as a ‘living lab’ to test new applications and construction methods.

Action on the Grand Challenges

Buckinghamshire LEP will address ``Future of Mobility and Clean the Grand Challenges by: Growth: Pilot projects: giving priority ``Ageing Society: Buckinghamshire to a public fleet of e-vehicles in key aims to become a centre of locations and routes; introducing excellence for supporting encore responsive transport services careers with a particular focus between major business locations on micro businesses. This would and transport hubs; working with form an element of the work England’s Economic Heartland to programme to Stimulate Business establish a connected autonomous Productivity which would provide vehicles testbed across the Arc. business support to encore career ``Consider with government ways to entrepreneurs and enable networking address the Clean Growth Grand and collaboration between them. Challenge mission to at least halve ``AI and Data: Establish an the energy use of new buildings open data store to support the by 2030 as part of ambitions to commercialisation of new goods build more homes across the Arc. and services and public service reform; maximise the opportunity for a new approach to the collection, availability and use of data opened by the creation of a new authority.

59 Industrial Strategy Buckinghamshire Local Industrial Strategy Priorities across the Oxford-Cambridge Arc

This Local Industrial Strategy has started to set out how shared priorities for Buckinghamshire fit with a wider range of activity being taken forward locally, regionally and nationally. The Oxford-Cambridge Arc cuts across Ideas boundaries and affects each of the The Arc has unrivalled science and four areas in the Arc in similar ways. technology capabilities – from the These offer government and local renowned research centres in Oxford partners the opportunity to act at and Cambridge, to their surrounding scale, with a consistent approach and, technology campuses such as as with the preceding local priorities, Harwell, and commercial testbeds they can be structured around the in the ‘Connected Core’ of the Arc. foundations of productivity: Bringing these many assets together ``Ideas – innovation, including at scale would create a driver of the Future of Mobility; growth and innovation for the UK. ``People – skills; However, the Arc is not yet a single innovation ecosystem and has potential Infrastructure - energy and digital; `` to drive greater economic growth ``Business environment; and and productivity - more can be done ``Places – including environment. to connect its numerous assets in a manner which demonstrably adds Local partners will work together value. Achieving this will involve collaboratively across all of these both building existing strengths Foundations to ensure that the such as life sciences and providing implementation of the four Local the best environment possible Industrial Strategies maximises for the emergence of disruptive the economic potential of the technologies. The prize is higher R&D wider Arc region as a whole. investment in support of the Industrial Strategy’s 2.4 per cent R&D target, UK leadership in transformative technologies, and a continued post- EU Exit future as a global centre for science, research and innovation.

60 In order to achieve this, Arc partners to channel foreign investment will work with government, UK in the assets and projects that Research and Innovation and will make the biggest impact on others on the following priorities: Arc-wide and UK growth. ``harnessing the collective strength As outlined earlier, the Arc’s R&D of the Arc’s research base will be strengths also makes it well placed essential. The new Arc Universities to address the Future of Mobility Group will act as the focal point Grand Challenge, with many assets for cross-Arc collaboration on such as Culham, Cranfield, Millbrook science and research, identifying and Silverstone playing an important and delivering joint R&D projects role in developing and testing and, providing a pipeline of talent to new transport technologies. knowledge-intensive businesses; To achieve this, government will ``the Arc will strengthen its ability for work with the LEPs within the Arc businesses to commercialise ideas and other local partners, including coming out of its universities and England’s Economic Heartland, to: others. Key to this will be a network ``utilise the considerable R&D assets of ‘Living Laboratories’ that both within the Arc to meet the Future trial technologies linked to new of Mobility Grand Challenge and developments across the Arc and government’s Road to Zero strategy. help address the Grand Challenges, This will put the UK at the forefront developed by industry and local of the design and manufacturing of partners across the Arc. Arc partners zero emission vehicles, supporting will also use assets such as Harwell, government’s commitment to end Silverstone and Cranfield to establish the sale of new conventional petrol new networks that support the and diesel cars and vans by 2040; convergence of technologies across sectors and, seek to develop emerging ``build on the Arc’s existing role districts such as West Cambridge; and as a testbed for new transport technologies, such as automated ``the Arc will seek to grow its role as vehicles and drones, working with a global research and innovation HMG and Zenzic to competitively hub, acting as a UK magnet for access existing R&D support, and international talent, R&D, foreign scoping further opportunities to trial direct investment and research mobility services within the Arc; and collaborations. The LEPs and MCA will work with the Department ``support local authorities within the for International Trade, the Arc Arc, as set out in the Future of Mobility Universities Group and others, Urban Strategy, by providing guidance on design and planning to ensure new communities are designed and built to enable new approaches to mobility.

61 Industrial Strategy Buckinghamshire Local Industrial Strategy

People Whilst recognising the strong overall The Arc is starting from a strong employment position of the Arc, it is position with a well-functioning also essential that work to drive growth labour market - across the Arc across the region considers how best employment is high compared to to address inequalities and challenges national averages and education certain groups face in accessing and attainment rates are generally good. progressing in the labour market. The Arc is home to many world-leading Delivering transformational growth higher education institutions that necessarily requires actions to support drive the knowledge rich economy. the key growth sectors identified in the economic context chapter above. But It is vital that the Arc continues to doing so in an inclusive and sustainable build on this solid foundation in way will also require all partners to order for all people and communities consider how best to: encourage across the Arc to have access to good quality employment across the these opportunities and businesses whole economy; support progression have access to the workforce they for those in low pay and low skilled need to meet future ambitions. employment and, support workers to Businesses across the Arc consistently stay in employment when they are at cite attracting and retaining a risk of losing their jobs due to issues sufficiently skilled workforce as a such as age, health or automation. particular challenge. Through the newly To do this the LEPs will continue to build established Skills Advisory Panels, on the well-established relationships LEPs will bring local employers and with local partners to address these skills providers together to understand deep-rooted challenges. This will include current and future skills needs and put ongoing engagement with Jobcentre in place activity to address these local Plus, local education providers challenges. Through these Panels the and community organisations. four LEPs and government will work together to understand the challenges that businesses across the Arc face in securing the workforce they need to meet their future ambitions.

62 Across the Arc the LEPs will ``coordinate the work of Skills Advisory work with government through Panels to bring together training Skills Advisory Panels to: providers from across the Arc, with a ``review labour market intelligence view to establishing an Arc-wide skills across the Arc, to gain a better marketplace. This will build on the understanding of how skills provision LEPs’ positive working relationships is currently delivered and funding with the Careers and Enterprise utilised. This will include working Company and other careers services, closely with the Department for and work to improve provision across Education through local Skills the Arc. This will utilise the evidence Advisory Panels and providers provided by each Skills Advisory across the Arc to consider how local Panel, connecting businesses provision supports the ambitions set with regional and national skills out throughout these strategies; providers and people with targeted support including apprenticeships, ``work with local employers to increase STEM skills, T levels, technical apprenticeship uptake across and degree apprenticeships. the Arc, supporting employers to maximise their Apprenticeship Levy There will also be continued contributions and drive social mobility; collaboration across the higher education sectors through the ``work with local employers to support Arc Universities Group to ensure the effective role out of T levels alignment between the higher and utilise local labour market education offer and the emerging intelligence to work with providers to needs of breakthrough businesses, consider how the local T level offer including top quality leadership and will support local businesses; and management training supported by the business school network.

63 Industrial Strategy Buckinghamshire Local Industrial Strategy

Infrastructure The LEPs have already produced The Arc as a whole is already local energy strategies, documenting experiencing infrastructure constraints the energy needs of their local areas. – especially in energy, transportation, These will be the starting point to water and housing. Realising shared consider the energy needs of the Arc ambitions around economic and as a whole; drawing in new evidence, community growth will require the joining up local energy strategy delivery development of the right infrastructure and using the opportunities created to meet the needs of existing and through the growth of the Oxford- new communities, supporting the Cambridge Arc as a catalyst for a economy of the Arc and championing transformation of energy generation, the UK’s global competitiveness. distribution and use across the Arc. As well as getting the basics right, Digital and data coverage in the Arc there is the opportunity for a step- is good relative to much of the UK change in connectivity. Government – with world-leading infrastructure and Arc partners are working to deliver in some of the region’s specialist East West Rail and the proposed facilities – though it remains patchy, Expressway which are central to especially in rural areas. This holds enabling the long-term housing and back growth given the opportunities business growth ambitions within the for knowledge-intensive home-working Arc. However, greater connectivity and 5G-enabled innovations in the will not be fully delivered without the rural economy throughout the Arc. challenge of the ‘first-mile-last-mile’ being addressed. The Arc suffers from significant congestion which local partners are looking to address through innovations such as the proposed Cambridge Autonomous Metro and Luton DART (Direct Air Rail Transit).

64 The area’s natural capital and base for the current and future energy environmental infrastructure underpins needs of the Arc. This could provide and supports the local economy, opportunities to test new energy offering flood protection and providing policies or approaches within the Arc; clean water and natural spaces. The ``government and local partners will changing climate will affect existing work to identify and diffuse best infrastructure resilience and future practice on digital infrastructure infrastructure needs, requiring us to planning in the Arc and explore create climate resilient places and opportunities to align new infrastructure. In addition, the Arc transport infrastructure with digital presents a unique opportunity to deliver infrastructure in the Arc. This will flood risk and water management aim to support industry to accelerate through strategic activity across local the roll-out of full fibre networks, authority and LEP boundaries. enabling accelerated growth of The growth anticipated across the Arc 5G technologies across the Arc; gives us a chance to test innovative ``local partners will work to standardise approaches to: improving digital and public data where possible - such data connectivity; minimising energy as through the opportunity demand and increasing energy supply; created by local government and addressing the Grand Challenges. unitarisation in Buckinghamshire The scale of growth also offers and Northamptonshire - and the chance to explore new ways of with support from government coordinating and funding the delivery policy experts, to ensure that of new infrastructure across the Arc. To the opportunities to collect and seize these opportunities, the Arc Local capitalise on data are utilised. Industrial Strategies announce that: This will be done with a view to ``local partners will collaborate with addressing Grand Challenges around Department for Transport, Highways the Future of Mobility, the Ageing England, the East West Rail Company Society, and Clean Growth; and and England’s Economic Heartland ``government and local partners will to expand the economic benefits of work together across the wider planned strategic transport links, Oxford-Cambridge Arc to explore improvements to the Major Roads proposals for new approaches to network and the first-mile-last- funding infrastructure, as set out in mile connections across the Arc; government’s response to National ``government and local partners will Infrastructure Commission Report conduct a review of recent evidence at Autumn Statement 2018. work at local, regional and national- level, to develop a shared evidence

65 Industrial Strategy Buckinghamshire Local Industrial Strategy

Business environment programmes to develop an Arc-wide The Arc is home to a dynamic business offer to different kinds of business. base and a range of high-growth and They will profile the firms that can innovative firms. However, businesses deliver the biggest shift in growth, across the Arc still encounter barriers productivity and exports in places, to growth, particularly in accessing diagnosing barriers to growth in the support they need to scale-up the firm’s capacity to innovate rapidly, securing the right finance and increase productivity. As part and access to the right commercial of this, Arc partners will identify premises to start and grow. new ways to establish peer-to- peer networks linking firms within The Arc’s collective ambition is to and between sectoral clusters; become a world-leading ecosystem for high-growth businesses: with an ``local partners and the British Business environment that enables them to Bank will work together to help SMEs commercialise technologies, grow to in the Arc to access the finance they scale, and export. Central to the Arc’s need to grow their businesses. Local approach will be developing a Global partners across the Arc will also Growth Network of internationally- explore the existing landscape and focused businesses, scale-ups and any gaps in finance for businesses, as sectoral clusters. Together, this will well as the establishment of an Arc- foster a breakthrough growth region wide business angel network to better and a driver for the UK economy. engage with early-stage investors; Partners across the Arc will work ``local partners will work with with government and others government to develop a shared across the following priorities: understanding of market failures in creating new commercial ``local partners will work with premises within the Arc. This will government, within existing budgets, bring together a range of analysis to develop improved, joined-up already being undertaken locally, business support for high-growth regionally, and nationally. This will firms across the Arc. Central to ensure that the right premises this will be a network of the four are planned for, prioritised Growth Hubs across the Arc, who locally within any bids for future will work and with existing support government funding, and built; and

66 ``finally, partners across the Arc Places will work with the Department for Taken as a whole, this package of International Trade to encourage Arc-wide interventions, which sits greater trade and inward investment. alongside existing interventions being This will build on existing engagement progressed by government and local at LEP level and include the partners, will support sustainable development of an Oxford-Cambridge growth across the region, benefitting Arc Internationalisation Delivery its residents, communities, businesses Plan and quarterly meetings of and the country more widely. Delivering the Arc-wide trade and inward transformational growth in this way investment group. However, much will create opportunities across the more needs to be done if the Arc – spreading the benefits both Arc is to reach its potential as a to its prosperous centres and its global player able to compete with more deprived communities, and innovation-growth zones like Seoul, across its urban and rural areas. Helsinki, San Francisco and Toronto. This will include an Arc presence Doing so will require a holistic at MIPIM Cannes in March 2020 approach and partnership working with and an updated investment-led government and industry, to achieve Oxford-Cambridge Arc Brochure growth and improve place-making, and Investment Prospectus which developing sustainable, resilient and identifies investable opportunities. culturally vibrant communities. This Work will also continue to better aims to provide a high quality of life for integrate Arc sector propositions residents - now and in the future. The into the Department for International scale of growth envisaged across the Trade’s sector and market priority Arc also offers the opportunity to plan campaigns, linking the Arc’s key for and build exemplar developments sectors into the ten highest potential with high design standards; places export and inward investment where people want to live and work. markets to drive Arc growth globally. Heating and powering buildings This will involve analysis of available accounts for 40 per cent of the data on success across the Arc total energy usage in the UK. By by sector and market. Each of making new communities within the partners will work with DIT to the Arc more energy efficient and develop a LEP-level ‘chapter’ for the embracing smart technologies, Internationalisation Delivery Plan, energy demand and household bills based on the priorities and assets set can be cut, and economic growth out in their Local Industrial Strategy. boosted while meeting the country’s targets for carbon reduction.

67 Industrial Strategy Buckinghamshire Local Industrial Strategy

Conserving and enhancing the ``local partners will also engage with natural environment is at the heart of government to co-design a local ambitions for the Arc; growth offers natural capital planning approach an opportunity for environmental for the Arc, ensuring that the wider enhancement, in turn driving work on productivity is aligned; productivity and innovative place ``intelligent and sensitive design making. Government and local partners should be used in new housing have agreed to embed ‘natural capital’ and infrastructure developments thinking throughout the approach to to create or enhance habitats in the Arc; harnessing nature to adapt line with national policy; and to climate change, manage flood risk and deliver broader benefits ``government and the LEPs will to businesses and communities. also consider (i) ways to maximise environmental expertise across the As the national Industrial Strategy set Arc, creating opportunities to share out, we will work not just to preserve, best practice across public and private but to enhance our natural capital sectors; and (ii) how to empower the – the air, water, soil and ecosystems business community to champion that support all forms of life – since and support the Arc’s natural assets, this is an essential basis for economic working together to attract and retain growth and productivity over the long the skilled workforce of the future. term. To ensure that the environment in the Arc is left in a better state for future generations, local partners and government agree that: ``England’s 25 Year Environment Plan sets out our comprehensive approach to improving landscapes and habitats, and the aspiration to move to a policy of net environmental gain in future. The policy for the Arc should embody this approach in line with national policy, so local partners will work with government to explore opportunities for local delivery of the Plan within the Arc, including considering issues such as climate resilience, water management and biodiversity net gain;

68 Implementation and Evaluation

This Local Industrial Strategy will set the direction for Buckinghamshire’s economy. Built upon solid foundations of clear evidence, it highlights where Buckinghamshire and government will work together to maximise key strengths and tackle major challenges. Governance Funding At the local level, Buckinghamshire’s This Local Industrial Strategy does not LEP will lead the implementation of include any new spending commitments this Local Industrial Strategy through outside of existing budgets. Instead, its existing governance and delivery it will inform the strategic use of structures, embedding the strategy’s local funding streams and, where priorities into its annual Delivery Plan relevant, spending and decisions at and wider programme of activity. The the national level. It will also help Cities and Local Growth Unit will work Buckinghamshire decide on its approach with the LEP to engage government in to maximising the long-term impact delivery at the local level as necessary. of the new UK Shared Prosperity At a regional level, the four LEPs, Fund once its details and priorities supported by the MHCLG Oxford- are announced at Spending Review. Cambridge Unit and Cities and Local To demonstrate progress towards the Growth Unit, will collaborate through the long-term vision set out by this Local productivity group of the wider Oxford- Industrial Strategy, this document Cambridge Arc governance, to deliver contains a number of specific actions. the shared Arc level commitments Where these actions are locally-led, set out in all four Arc Local Industrial these will be drawn from local budgets Strategies. This work will report to which exist for those purposes. the Arc Leader’s Board, ensuring this Where actions are shared between workstream is aligned to shared work Buckinghamshire and government, they on place-making, connectivity and will be funded from existing local and the environment, as well as central departmental budgets, with funding government’s national governance allocated for those specific purposes. structures, such as the Local Industrial This strategy does not represent Strategy Implementation Board all the priorities and action being and the cross-Whitehall Oxford- developed in Buckinghamshire. Cambridge Arc inter-departmental board and Arc advisory group.

69 Industrial Strategy Buckinghamshire Local Industrial Strategy

As detailed in this strategy, ``fully integrated and digitalised Buckinghamshire will regularly health and care system, which is review the latest evidence to recognised as the UK’s healthcare continue designing the most effective innovation adopter, helping people approaches and interventions to stay in the labour market and be at the forefront of the future UK stay productive for longer; economy. This strategy sets out long- ``achievement of carbon neutrality in term ambitions and will continue to a way that improves quality of life for evolve as the economy changes. residents, minimises the productivity Buckinghamshire will comply with impact on current businesses and all of the monitoring and evaluation maximises commercial opportunities requirements of each particular across Buckinghamshire; funding source, in addition to the ``recognition as one of the world’s wider requirement to monitoring leading locations for business the implementation of the Local investment in the future knowledge Industrial Strategy as a whole. economies supported by the latest Monitoring Outcomes digital and cellular connectivity; As well as setting out specific ``an advanced skills and work system short-term actions, this Local that enables people to have greater Industrial Strategy has also set choice in realising their potential, out Buckinghamshire’s long- supports emerging industries, and term aspirations and the specific is responsive to employers; and outcomes local partners are aiming ``a coordinated infrastructure to achieve. These will help guide system, with a transport network future action and evaluate progress. that provides clean and effective By 2050 Buckinghamshire transport options, utilising intelligent will aim to have secured: mobility systems and a reduced reliance on vehicle ownership. ``increased productivity driven by innovative businesses which In order to ensure the opportunities are well-led and managed, in this Local Industrial Strategy are trading and investing globally; met, Buckinghamshire will monitor the progress of the outlined commitments ``a greater number of high-quality, by developing a local Implementation technology driven opportunities Plan setting out clear milestones, in strategic sites across deliverables and timings for the Buckinghamshire, supporting a actions set out in this strategy. more productive manufacturing base, close to transport links and population centres;

70 In line with the national Local Enterprise Buckinghamshire will put in place Partnership Assurance Framework, the an overarching process and impact Buckinghamshire LEP will produce an evaluation to assess the efficacy of annual delivery plan and a qualitative government and Buckinghamshire in end-of-year report to evaluate how they, delivering against the objectives set out and other partners, have contributed in this strategy. Results will be reported towards achieving the objectives annually to both Buckinghamshire of this Local Industrial Strategy. LEP and government. A three-year review will be undertaken, in July Evaluation 2022, on the quantitative impact The government is committed to of the strategy, recognising that devolution where there is a strong interventions will have a lag before evidence-base, robust governance and taking effect. This should include an a delivery track-record in place. Robust assessment of whether the current evaluation is an essential element of set of interventions are effecting the demonstrating these competencies. desired change and assessing the latest evidence on ‘what works’ in collaboration with independent experts.

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References

1. The current geographies of Buck- 6. AstraZeneca and MedImmune inghamshire LEP and South (2018), Cambridge: driving growth East Midlands LEP overlap. Both in life sciences: Exploring the value Local Industrial Strategies of knowledge-clusters on the UK 2. https://assets.publishing. economy and life sciences sector. service.gov.uk/government/ 7. Partnering for Prosperity: a new uploads/system/uploads/at- deal for the Cambridge-Milton tachment_data/file/664563/ Keynes-Oxford Arc, National In- industrial-strategy-white-pa- frastructure Commission, 2017. per-web-ready-version.pdf Available at: https://www.nic. 3. Interim findings from Oxford-Cam- org.uk/publications/partner- bridge Arc economic evidence study ing-prosperity-new-dealcam- (2019) AECOM and Oxford Econom- bridge-milton-keynes-oxford-arc/ ics. Taken from https://assets.pub- 8. 1Government Response to ‘Partner- lishing.service.gov.uk/government/ ing for Prosperity: a new deal for uploads/system/uploads/attach- the Cambridge-Milton Keynes-Ox- ment_data/file/785869/Oxford_to_ ford Arc’, 2018. Available at: https:// Cambridge_Arc_-_government_am- www.gov.uk/government/publica- bition_and_joint_declaration.pdf tions/cambridge-milton-keynes-ox- 4. Anglia Ruskin University, Bucking- ford-arcstudy-government-response hamshire New University, Cran- 9. Source: Enterprise Research field University, Oxford Brookes Centre (2019) Benchmarking University, The Open University, local innovation, https://www. University of Bedfordshire, Univer- enterpriseresearch.ac.uk/publi- sity of Buckingham, University of cations/benchmarking-local-in- Cambridge, University of North- novation-the-innovation-ge- ampton and University of Oxford. ography-of-england-2019/ 5. Silverstone Park (2017), https:// 10. A typically micro-business sector, silverstone-park.com/media/ ‘digital’ has accounted for 59 per latest-news/silverstone-park-com- cent of jobs growth 2010-2016, mercial-director-roz-bird-con- adding 6,850 new jobs to the area. firmed-as-one-of-grant-thorntons- 100-faces-of-a-vibrant-economy/

72 11. 147.7 per cent of residents hold Images a degree or higher compared Cover to 38.6 per cent nationally. Students at the National Film and TV 12. 1ONS business demography 2018. School in Beaconsfield working in the 13. http://i4j.info/wp-content/up- world’s first 4K studio in a educational loads/2013/05/i4j DaneStanglerDe- facility, funded by Buckinghamshire mographicsandEntrepreneurship-1. LEP through the Local Growth Fund. pdf At the start of the Connected Credit: Buckinghamshire LEP would Counties Programme, Bucking- like to thank the following organisa- hamshire trailed behind that of tions for their contribution of photos England as a whole by 5.5 per cent to this report: Bosch, Silverstone Park, 14. 1ONS business demography 2018. Pinewood Studios, National Film and 15. 1Local demographic analy- Television School, Reaction Engines, sis; http://i4j.info/wp-content/ TotalSim, University of Buckingham, uploads/2013/05/i4jDaneS- Westcott Venture Park and NASA tanglerDemographicsandEn- P28 trepreneurship-1.pdf Skyfall ©2012 Danjaq, LLC, United 16. A typically micro-business sector, Artists Corporation, Columbia Pictures ‘digital’ has accounted for 59 per Industries, Inc. All rights reserved. cent of jobs growth 2010-2016, The set was built at Pinewood Studios. adding 6,850 new jobs to the area.

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