Milton Keynes has entered 2022 in a solid position. We remain at the forefront of innovation, investment and technological advancement. The UK’s first driverless car trial has officially launched at Stadium MK, and construction continues at Santander’s £150m HQ, so it’s no surprise that a new report has revealed just how strong the MK offer is.
The UK Powerhouse Report has shown that Milton Keynes is one of the UK’s leading cities for jobs, homes and productivity. In fact, it highlighted that productivity is growing faster here than in almost every other place in the country.
Gross value added, or GVA, measures how productive a city is per employee – and here in Milton Keynes it has grown by 9%. Job creation is up by 5%, and more homes have been built per resident than anywhere else in the UK. These findings are overwhelmingly positive, and it’s brilliant to have achieved this during a pandemic. It goes to show that Milton Keynes is a great place to live, work, and do business.
Milton Keynes Council has pledged £3.5m for the Economic Recovery Plan, which should further solidify the city’s economic position this year. Aside from providing grants, training to help get women into work and creating green business growth, another way we are providing support is through our largest-ever programme to help
small businesses.
We have partnered with business groups to launch Diamond Resilience, a training programme designed to assist 100 local SMEs. As part of the programme, entrepreneurs could receive over £100,000 worth of coaching, including dedicated advice, a yearly membership of the Federation of Small Businesses and training from the Chamber of Commerce. This groundbreaking programme will give local entrepreneurs the contacts, help and advice that they need to become more resilient in the business world.
Support for aspiring businesses doesn’t stop there. As part of the Economic Recovery Plan, we are investing nearly £36,000 to help entrepreneurs secure funding through Dragons’ Den-style schemes. This funding means that Central Arc Angels and the MK Investors Group can run events where people can pitch their ideas to potential investors. It’s completely free to attend an event and pitch your idea, and the outcome could be life changing. Those who would like to find out more can visit Central Arc Angels
These are just a few ways that Milton Keynes Council will continue to support businesses as we recover from the pandemic.
Full information on business support is available at Milton Keynes Council
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The 12-month Diamond Resilience programme is open to all SMEs in Milton Keynes, and more information is available here
Leader
Milton Keynes Council
