Milton Keynes welcomed Lord Patrick Vallance, the Government’s newly appointed Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor Champion, as part of ongoing efforts to drive innovation and economic growth in the region.
During his visit, Lord Vallance met with the Leader of Milton Keynes City Council, Cllr Pete Marland, alongside representatives from locally based organisations Santander, which moved its HQ to the city in 2023, and His Majesty’s Government Communication Centre (HMGCC). At a roundtable at Unity Place, Santander’s UK HQ, they discussed how Milton Keynes, as the largest city in the corridor, can continue to be a hub for cutting-edge technology, business investment and sustainable growth.
Lord Vallance also tested the Ohmio driverless shuttles, the autonomous vehicles which will carry passengers around the city centre. They’re expected to go live in the coming weeks. This visit highlighted the city’s commitment to pioneering smart city innovation and turning new tech ideas into reality.
Another key stop was HMGCC, where Lord Vallance engaged in discussions about the Co-Creation Initiative – a programme that provides funding to tech businesses and academic institutions to develop innovative tech solutions for use in national security.
As Growth Corridor Champion, Lord Vallance works across government, business and academia to attract investment and promote the region’s strengths. His visit reinforces Milton Keynes’ role as a leader in UK innovation and its influence in shaping the future of the Growth Corridor.
Come and join the party
Thousands of local people are expected at Emberton Country Park over the weekend of July 12 and 13 to celebrate the park’s 60th birthday – and Milton Keynes City Council is calling on local businesses and groups to be part of the fun.
The park team are planning a big weekend of activities for children and adults alike, with the overall theme ‘Back to the 60s’ given Emberton Country Park was officially opened in 1965 as the nation’s first country park.
Live music, performances, fun activities and tasty refreshments will accompany nature-inspired walks, talks and displays, plus bug hunting and family crafts such as making bat and bird boxes. All set in the beautiful 200-acre park which attracts visitors year-round for fishing, sailing, running and cycling, bird watching, picnicking and play.
Milton Keynes City Council is inviting expressions of interest from entertainers who would like to be part of the event as well as from businesses and potential stallholders who would like to promote or sell their goods and services. Commercial activities are welcome, and stall and sites will be offered at competitive rates starting from just £20.
The city council is especially interested in approaches around:
- Stalls, displays or entertainment with a 1960s theme e.g., clothes stalls, display cars, music
- Food and drink vendors
- Arts and crafts demonstrations, activities or stalls
- Fun fair type activities
Activities must be inclusive, in keeping with the country park setting, suitable for running outdoors (as marquee/covered space is limited) and organisers must have relevant qualifications (such as being DBS checked for those working with children).
Interested parties should contact the team with suggestions or questions by emailing emberton.park@milton-keynes.gov.uk.
Find out more by visiting Milton Keynes City Council’s website.
