Welcome to the
Oxford to Cambridge
Partnership

A group of leaders from local government, business boards, the Arc Universities Group and England’s Economic Heartland, with government, come together as a pan-regional partnership for the Oxford to Cambridge region. 

Our Mission is to secure a future in which our communities prosper from the very best in environmentally sustainable ways of living and working. We collaborate to accelerate economic opportunities created through the region's innovation strengths to achieve significant environmental enhancements and to unlock investment for inclusive, high quality sustainable development.

What are we doing?

Environment & Sustainability
Innovation &
Economy
Data
Observatory
Conferences and events
Chaired by Cllr Bridget Smith

The region's partners have come together to establish a common vision for environmental sustainability. This vision is articulated through the Region's Environment Principles which express a regional ambition and commitment to a holistic, regional-scale approach to delivering environmentally distinctive, sustainable economic growth, and a collective effort to respond to our most significant environmental challenges.

Our 2023-25 work programme was developed by, and delivered through, a wide range of contributors and experts from local government, environmental NGOs and nature partnerships, water and energy groups, central government agencies, Business Boards and universities. The programme is guided by a specially convened oversight group drawn from our Partnership's core membership and is chaired by Board Member, Cllr Bridget Smith.  

Informed by extensive technical and political stakeholder engagement, the 2025 Environment Principles offers a framework to help achieve the region's vision, structured around five key themes: Net Zero Carbon, Nature and Land, Water, the Circular Economy, and Climate Change Adaptation. These Principles build on the 2021 Environment Principles work.


Other actions taken forward in the work programme include:

1) Supporting the delivery of the Environment Agency's Integrated Water Management Framework programme.
2) Exploring the application of green finance for large landscape and catchment-scale investment opportunities.
3) Supporting cross-boundary Local Nature Recovery Strategy Compliance.
4) Developing and articulating a vision for a South Midlands Community Forest.
5) Leaning on the region's satellite and drone expertise to explore opportunities for innovative tools and techniques that quantify and monitor habitat condition and quality. 
6) Identifying best practices and exemplars about incorporating people, nature and biodiversity in the built environment. 
7) Engagement with organisations across the electricity distribution network to unlock opportunities to create a flexible distribution system. This partner-led project will examine known electricity supply constraints and seek to establish a roadmap that provides certainty to investors and stakeholders. 
9) Supporting regionally significant environmental infrastructure and sustainable land management practice.  

For more information about this Work Programme, please contact Nathan Vear CEnv MIEMA FCMI, Environment and Sustainability Lead.
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Group meetings and meeting notes

Monday, 6th March 2023 | Meeting note
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Wednesday, 24th May 2023 | Agenda | Meeting notes
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‍Monday, 4th September 2023 | Agenda | Item 3 Work Programme
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Thursday, 25 February 2024 | Agenda | Item 2 Minutes 4 September | Item 3 Revision of Environment Principles | Item 3 a G 7 Communique | Item 3b Just Transition to Net Zero | Item 4a Habitat Monitoring | Item 4 b Environment Agency IWMF update | Item 5 Strategy Update | Minutes (Unconfirmed)  
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Thursday 9 May 2024 | Agenda | Item 2 Minutes 25 February | Item 4 Revision to the Environment Principles | Item 5 Environment Sub group progress update | Item 6 Partnership programme update

Wednesday 11 September 2024 | Agenda | Item 2 Approved minutes 9 May 2024 | Item 4 Revision to the Environment Principles | Item 4 Supplementary phase 1 report | Item 5 Environment sub-group update | Item 6 Partnership Programme update

‍Environment Principles Renewal

17 June 2024 Project drop-in session: view the project introduction presentation or re-watch the discussion via our Youtube channel.  

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Chaired by Dr Barbara Ghinelli


NEW: Expression of Interest portal open - seeking applications for projects interested in promotion via the Oxford to Cambridge Region International Investment Prospectus

Closing date for EoIs is Monday 25 November. The Partnership is now accepting further expressions of interest for projects to be included in the next Prospectus. A diverse range of investment opportunities are being sought. It is advised that applicants consider both the scale and impact of the potential investment opportunities. All opportunities that come forward will be subject to an independent prioritisation process led by Deyton Bell Ltd, commissioned by the Partnership.

Deyton Bell Ltd will host three briefing sessions to provide further guidance on all aspects of the Prospectus and EOI process. These will take place on:

Tuesday 29 October, 2pm
Thursday 7 November, 4pm
Wednesday 13 November, 10am

Please email prospectus@deytonbell.com to register for a briefing session.

Download the EoI Guidance Notes.

Access the EoI Online Portal.

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Global Investment Prospectus
In May 2024, the Partnership launched the region's international investment prospectus. The Prospectus is a collaborative piece of work highlighting the region's strengths, capabilities and investment successes in key and emerging sectors. It presents an initial suite of seven investible opportunities from public, private and university partners to a global investor audience and details the Partnership's commitment and offer to investors. Click on the Investment Atlas button below for more.
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Network of innovation networks
This spring, the Partnership convened the first gathering of the region's innovation networks and clusters, with the intention to create a region-wide innovation and data hub. The aim of this programme is to create the environment to develop partnerships and deeper collaboration among network leaders and managers across the region.

The first network workshop in Milton Keynes, attendees discussed the region’s shared priorities and goals, and the opportunities for networks to collaborate and how to address these. Themes discussed included:

1. What challenges are networks facing currently?
2. What are the opportunities present for innovator collaboration?
3. What are the opportunities present for innovator funding?

To get involved contact the Network facilitator Sylvie Russell from Cambridge Cleantech or Placi Espejo.

The next network sessions will take place:
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* 10 July 2024, took place in Cambridge
* 15 October 2024, Silverstone
* January 2025, Oxford

We also have a private LinkedIn Group for knowledge sharing around network leadership and regional innovation capacity so contact us to join.

Science and technology business premises
Activity is currently underway to complete a study of the region's science, innovation and technology business premises. This work will enable the Partnership and its local authority partners to better understand the conditions and opportunities for long-term development of the science, innovation and technology sectors as well as understand the optimal types and configurations of commercial units best able to support the sustainability of the sectors across the region.

The Partnership has commissioned Iceni Projects, in conjunction with Carter Jones and HDR Inc, to undertake this work. As part of the initial information gathering exercise, they have launched a business survey, aimed at businesses within science, innovation and technology (SIT) sectors. The purpose of this survey is to understand the preferences around the characteristics and location of SIT premises. If this includes your business, please complete the survey: www.surveymonkey.com/r/SITPremisesBusinessSurvey

It is expected that the full study will be completed by end January 2025.

For more information about the Partnership's Economy and Innovation programme, contact Placi Espejo.


Economic ProspectusScience SuperPowerInvestment Atlas

Group meetings and meeting notes

Friday 31st May 2023 - Agenda | Item 3, Terms of Reference | Item 4, International investment prospectus and atlas | Item 5, Innovation network of networks research | Item 6, Data observatory | Meeting notes

Tuesday 14 November 2023 - Agenda | Item 2, Minutes from previous meeting | Item 4 Innovation networks of networks update | Item 5, Proposal for a high-tech accommodation study

Tuesday 13 February 2024 - Agenda | Item 2, Minutes from previous meeting | Item 3 (confidential item) | Item 7 Science, Innovation and Technology Premises Study

Tuesday 14 May 2024 - Agenda | Item 2, Minutes from previous meeting

Tuesday 3 September 2024 -  Agenda | Minutes from previous meeting | Item 3 Proposal for a Inward Investment Group
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The Oxford to Cambridge Data Observatory Portal is a service providing a growing collection of transparent, unbiased, high-quality, and frequently updated economic and environmental evidence and insights. It is designed to provide partners and investors with a robust dataset to help make informed decisions when looking for opportunities in the region. It is equipped with robust research and analytical capability to support our partners in policy, business case development and project monitoring, all managed through a central team.

The Observatory provides three key outputs:
1. a maintained data portal
2. a regional overview report
3. a bespoke analyst support service

Enter the Data Observatory Portal  

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What can we help you with?

Business case support: we can help stakeholders find and use the evidence they need for a range of business case developments, such as inward investment propositions, economic development projects, business support programmes and more. This may include advice for monitoring and evaluation of economic and environmental performance, if required.  

Economic and environmental research projects: support for Further Education and Higher Education academics conducting research projects covering the Oxford to Cambridge region.
 
Advice and understanding of data for the region: supporting communities to interpret and understand nuances behind the data where required.

For more information about the Data Observatory and to request analyst support, please get in touch with Arthur Le Geyt or Paolo Ferraro.


Friday 29 November, we'll be back at the Ridgeway Centre, Milton Keynes for our second All Partner Conference - making mission-driven change work 

Register to attend today via our events booking system.
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‍The conference will bring together representatives from local authorities, business, universities, central government and the many agencies and organisations advancing our region.

Conference Programme:
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Arrivals from 9.00:   Coffee, Pastries and Conversation
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10.00-10.15:            Chairman's welcome and annual review. Dipesh J Shah CBE.
    
10.15-10.45:            State of the Region - what's next?
                                - Board member reflections on projects, programmes, networks and investments secured through                                   pan- regional collaboration.  with Mayor Dr Nik Johnson Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined                                   Authority, Prof. Alistair Fitt, Vice Chancellor Oxford Brookes University, Cllr Susan Brown, Leader Oxford                                   City Council, Al Kingsley, CEO Netsupport Ltd., Cllr Liz Leffman, Leader Oxfordshire County Council. Cllr                                   Andy Graham, Leader, West Oxfordshire Council. Dr Barbara Ghinelli, Director Innovation Clusters and                                   Harwell Campus.  Chaired by Dr Richard Hutchins, Managing Director, pan-Regional Partnership.  
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10.45-12.00:            Headwinds and tailwinds: in a fast-changing economic landscape how to we stay ahead?
                                - Chair Sarah Haywood, Managing Director, Advanced Oxford.
                                - Keynote address: Shaun Grady, Senior Vice President Business Development Operations,                                   AstraZeneca UK
                                - Economic potential of the Oxford-Cambridge Supercluster, Report Author, Rachel Wolf, Founding Partner,                                   Public First
                                - Panel and Q& A with Jason Longhurst, Head of Sustainable Investment and Partnerships, Prologis UK.                                   Matt Kinghan, Director, Iceni Projects Ltd. Prof. Lynette Ryals OBE, Pro Vice-Chancellor Cranfield                                   University. Zoe Metcalfe, Director, Local and Central Government, AtkinsRéalis,

12.00-12.15:            Showcase - Arc Universities Student Panel reflections: embedding sustainability into regional growth.
                                - Dr Winifred Soribe, Entrepreneur in Residence

12.15-13.15             Networking lunch

13.15-13.45             Keynote address: David Hughes, Chief Executive, East West Rail

13.45-15.15             Blueprint for success: putting sustainability at the heart of sustained growth
                                - Chair Cllr Bridget Smith, Leader South Cambridgeshire District Council
                               - Keynote address: Catriona Riddell, independent consultant. Mission Growth: the importance of                                   partnership working within the new strategic planning environment.  
                                - Panel discussion and Q&A with Naomi Green, England's Economic Heartland. Nick Platts, Managing                                   Director Luton Rising, Matthew Stanton, Conservation Strategy Director, BBOWT, Dr Edel McGurk,                                   Regional Director, Natural England.

15.15-15.30:             Chair's closing address.

Register to attend today via our events booking system.

Throughout the day also visit Expo stands to speak to colleagues from East West Rail, England's Economic Heartland, The Environment Agency, analysts from our Regional Data Observatory and more...‍‍

Missed last year's All Partner Conference? Take a look at what happened and what some of our Partners said: Conference highlights video.

Our Board

The Oxford to Cambridge Partnership Board representation is outlined below. Cherwell District Council is the accountable body for the Partnership, responsible for administering finance, procurement and resources management. 
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Dipesh J Shah CBE,
Chair of
the Board

Biography

Cllr Andy Graham, Leader West Oxfordshire Council,
Chair of the Future Oxfordshire Partnership 

Cllr Peter Marland, Leader Milton Keynes Council,
Co-Chair of the South Midlands Authorities

Cllr Adam Brown, Leader West Northamptonshire Council, Co-Chair of the South Midlands Authorities

Mayor Dr Nik Johnson, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority

Al Kingsley, CEO Net Support Ltd.
representing
the region’s
Business Boards

Cllr Liz Leffman, Chair, representative
for England’s Economic Heartland

Prof. Alistair Fitt Chair, representing
the Arc Universities Group

Cllr Bridget Smith, Leader South Cambridgeshire District Council,
Environment sub-group Chair

Dr Paul Leinster CBE, OEP, Water Resources East, Bedford Local Nature Partnership

Dr Barbara Ghinelli, Director, Innovation Clusters and Harwell Campus, UKRI-STFC, Non-executive Director

Prof. Lynette Ryals OBE, CEO MK:U & Pro-vice-chancellor, Cranfield University, Non-executive Director

Cllr Susan Brown, Leader Oxford City Council, Co-opted Board Member

Board meetings and meeting notes

Our scheduled Board meetings:
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Friday, 2nd December 2022– Shadow Board Agenda | meeting notes (Confirmed at January Board)
Friday, 20th January 2023 – Shadow Board Agenda | Item 3 Draft Constitution | Item 5 Communications Paper | Item 5 Additional Paper | Meeting notes
Thursday, 16th March 2023 Shadow Board – Agenda | Meeting notes Thursday, 15th June 2023 – Shadow Board Agenda and meeting papers | Confirmed meeting notes
Thursday, 14th September 2023 - Board meeting Agenda and meeting papers. | Meeting recording. | Minutes (Confirmed)
Thursday, 23rd November 2023 - Board meeting Agenda and meeting papers.|  Meeting recording | Minutes (unconfirmed)
Thursday, 29th February 2024 - Board meeting agenda and meeting papers | Meeting recording |  Minutes (Unconfirmed)
Thursday 6 June 2024 - Board meeting agenda and meeting papers | Recording unavailable due to technical issues | Minutes (unconfirmed)  
Thursday 19 September 2024 -  Agenda and meeting papers | Minutes (unconfirmed) | Meeting Transcript
Wednesday 16 October 2024 - Agenda and meeting papers | Minutes (unconfirmed) | Meeting Transcript
Thursday 28 November 2024 - Agenda and meeting papers
Thursday 27 February 2025
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Additional meetings:

2 February 2023- Mid year review meeting with government. Presentation.
30 March 2023- Annual Performance Review meeting with government. Meeting notes
17 November 2023 - Mid year review meeting with government. Meeting notes
17 October 2024 - Mid year review meeting with government. Presentation | Meeting notes

‍Partnership documentation:
Oxford to Cambridge Partnership Constitution Download
The Partnership's mission statement and strategic priorities Download
2023-25 Partnership Strategy Download
Board members Declaration of Interests Download
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‍Letter from Secretary of State, Rt. Hon. Michael Gove MP, endorsing proposal to set up a Pan-regional Partnership Download
Terms of References
1. Innovation and Economy sub-group
2. Environment and Sustainability sub-group
3. Branding and identity informal steering group Download