Study identifies priorities for freight and logistics
A major study into freight and logistics in and around the Oxford to Cambridge Arc has identified a number of priorities for the region, including improving strategic road access, maximising the use of rail freight, and encouraging investment in greener technology.
The study by England's Economic Heartland (EEH), was unveiled at its annual conference in Hertfordshire yesterday (July 16), and will be a major input into its overarching Transport Strategy. …
NAOMI GREEN BLOG: Diversity is key to transport planning
It is more than a century since the creation of International Women's Day, promoting gender equality, a greater awareness of discrimination and a celebration of women's achievements.
For me, having a job that I find challenging, energising and rewarding is a personal celebration of the achievements of generations of women before me and of my peers now. Collectively, they have worked tirelessly, even if they were not consciously doing so, …
ANTONY SWIFT BLOG: In data we trust...
The great statistician William Deming once proclaimed, 'in God we trust, all others must bring data' – and it's a mantra which England's Economic Heartland swears by.
EEH's partners have a legacy in paving the way in research, innovation and data. The Heartland's world class universities and knowledge clusters' track record in this field spans centuries, so it's no surprise this thinking is a core part of our DNA.
In …
Response to Central Section route options announcement
The East West Railway Company has today announced five route options to link Bedford with Cambridge (https://eastwestrail.co.uk/haveyoursay).
Mayor Dave Hodgson, Chair of England's Economic Heartland's Strategic Transport Forum: "East West Rail is a fundamental part of the infrastructure required to enable economic growth in the Heartland, by transforming the travel choices available for individuals and businesses while achieving net gain for our environment.
"I welcome this announcement as …
ANTONY SWIFT BLOG: Best time of my career is also the most uncomfortable
A previous mentor once said to me, 'you're not learning if you're comfortable' – when I reflect on the last six months with England's Economic Heartland (EEH), this theory feels particularly apt.
Balancing my professional career with academic studies has taken me way beyond my normal level of comfort – but I wouldn't want it any other way.
In September, I enrolled on a part time Transport Planning and Management …
EEH welcomes A428 route announcement
Highways England has today announced its preferred route for improvements to the A428 between the Black Cat roundabout and Caxton Gibbet.
Mayor Dave Hodgson, Chair of England's Economic Heartland's Strategic Transport Forum, said: "We welcome this announcement – improving the Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet is a key priority for the Heartland. This work is crucial for realising the Heartland's economic potential, supporting the ambitions of Local Plans and for …
MARTIN TUGWELL BLOG: East West Rail - the challenge and the opportunity
I recently had the opportunity to address the Public Inquiry into the next stage of the East West Rail project.
Having personally been involved in this project for nearly 20 years it's great to see progress being made in securing the powers necessary to begin work on linking Bicester with Bletchley/Milton Keynes and beyond to Bedford, along with the restoration of the connection to/from Aylesbury.
The opening of the first …
Firm wins national award for EEH work
A Milton Keynes-based start-up has won a national award for its work with England's Economic Heartland.
Immense Simulations won the Smart Cities UK Transport Award for its development of a prototype policy decision support tool, enabling a strategic and accessible approach to transport modelling at a large scale.
Martin Tugwell, Programme Director at EEH, said: "Growth in our region is truly transformational in nature, requiring an approach which eschews the …
"Sub-national Transport Bodies should play key role in Rail Review"
Sub-national transport bodies (STBs) should play a key role in informing the Rail Review, according to England's Economic Heartland.
As the call for evidence launched earlier this month, the STB for the Oxford-Milton Keynes-Cambridge growth corridor and surrounding areas said it was disappointed that a representative from the region is not included on the review panel, given Government has made delivering economic growth in the region a national priority.
On …
ANTONY SWIFT BLOG: Plenty to reflect on after major players attend freight workshop
This December has seen me spending time with major high street retailers, supermarkets and businesses – only I wasn't buying any Christmas shopping.
Wednesday, December 5 marked the first major piece of engagement for England's Economic Heartland's Freight Study.
In recognition of the critical role the freight and logistics sector plays in the Heartland's economy,we invited around 30 major players to a workshop in Milton Keynes to share their thoughts …
