The county continues to reaffirm its position as a ‘global asset’ and an essential component of the national economy.
Several recent reports suggest Oxfordshire – and Oxford in particular – is in a strong position to create further growth opportunities for ‘UK PLC’. But how does this success translate in respect of creating vibrant, distinctive and practical business and residential communities within the county? And is instilling a sense of ‘place’ important?
It is clear to see that many organisations see Oxfordshire as being a global asset with place at its heart – particularly given the Prime Minister’s desire, based on her 2017 election manifesto, to ensure our economy has a global future, encouraging the right conditions for trade with countries across the globe.
Central government stimulus is delivering high levels of growth and yielding a strong rate of return in Oxfordshire, seeing the creation of over 40,000 jobs over the past five years and hundreds of new businesses.
The Oxfordshire housing and growth deal will play a massive role in delivering housing, transport and infrastructure to meet the requirements of a growing economy and the need for affordable accommodation. There is support for up to 100,000 new homes, satisfying unmet needs and future demand, including the creation of Bicester and Didcot garden towns and the Oxfordshire Cotswold Garden Village located in the A40 corridor.
Against this backdrop, I – along with Philip Campbell – Commercial Director of MEPC, Placi Espejo – Head of Commercial Sales and Marketing, Heyford Park Management and Piers Slater – Chief Executive of Reef Estates, will host an OxLEP Q&A event for Oxfordshire’s business leaders next week. The event: 'The importance of 'Place' for Oxfordshire' is being held tomorrow morning, in partnership with Milton Park.
During the Q&A event we will explore our strengths in respect of ‘place’ and outline current and future opportunities – particularly through the emerging Oxford-Cambridge Corridor and our Local Industrial Strategy.
Free to the county’s business leaders, the event will see panellists and audience members discuss some of the recent key developments experienced in Oxfordshire.
To join us at the event, please sign-up here.
Nigel Tipple
Chief Executive
