Three more organisations have joined Cambridge Ahead, the member organisation dedicated to the long-term sustainable, inclusive growth of Cambridge, to help it achieve its ambitious goals to benefit the region and further afield. Cambridge United Football Club, This Land and Eastern Education Group bring Cambridge Ahead’s invited membership to over 50 organisations, representing a collective local workforce of more than 40,000 in business, research and academia.
Since 2013, Cambridge Ahead has been working with policymakers locally and nationally to shape the future of Cambridge and make a positive difference towards the long-term prosperity of the region and quality of life of its residents. Through research, analysis and partnerships with the research and policy communities, the organisation brings together the public and private sectors to engage and respond to the evidence it collates to unlock barriers to good growth. Member organisations represent employers across a wide range of sectors including technology and engineering, property, education, construction, health, transport and hospitality.
Commenting on the announcement, Dan Thorp, CEO, Cambridge Ahead, said:
“Working with member organisations that have the common aim of helping drive the long-term success of the region through the work of Cambridge Ahead is a huge privilege. Cambridge United Football Club, and its Community Foundation, have strong, established connections to Cambridge’s diverse communities while This Land is bringing forward high-quality new housing developments across the region. Eastern Education Group is providing inspiring educational pathways for the region’s young people and working closely with employers to do so. For these reasons, our new members bring even greater insight in our local economy and communities, meaning we are well-placed to advise and guide new policy recommendations and interventions.”
Strengthening the support it already offers the community is why Cambridge United Football Club has become a member of Cambridge Ahead. CEO, Alex Tunbridge, said: “The Club has chosen to join Cambridge Ahead to help make a greater contribution to the city and help shape its future for the benefit of its staff, volunteers and supporters”. Inclusive growth that benefits local communities is central to Cambridge Ahead’s aims for the years ahead.
Infrastructure and overcoming the local delivery deadlock are two strategic focuses for Cambridge Ahead. Collaboration with organisations in the development sector is crucial to achieve this and David Meek, CEO, This Land, a real estate development company based in Cambridge, explained:
“Cambridge is an area with high growth potential, as outlined in the Cambridge2040 plans. Housing and infrastructure are fundamental to achieving this growth, and This Land is delighted to join Cambridge Ahead and actively contribute to shaping the future of the region”.
Laraine Moody, Principal for University and Professional Development, Eastern Education Group said: “We are delighted to be working with Cambridge Ahead as we look to collaborate with the team and other business partners to help shape the future of this globally renowned and iconic city.
“We very much share the organisation’s ideals of wanting to make a positive difference towards the long-term prosperity and quality of life for those living in and around Cambridge and, as such, we are proud to be a member of Cambridge Ahead.”
Learn more about Cambridge Ahead and its work: https://www.cambridgeahead.co.uk/about-us/
