Science and technology matter to the sustainable growth of the United Kingdom's economy, and to jobs and prosperity in our area.
Macclesfield is home to 4,700 highly skilled workers at the AstraZeneca campus. Last year, I was honoured to open the new pioneering Learning Academy which is linked to the company’s £270 million investment in advanced medicine manufacturing at the site. The Chief Secretary to the Treasury recently visited the site to pay tribute to AstraZeneca's impressive apprenticeship programme.
Nearby, Alderley Park continues to expand with 4,500 jobs at the campus owned by Bruntwood SciTech, which is home to hundreds of employees from the Macclesfield area. Over 250 innovative businesses are based at this unique location that also plays an important part in the Cheshire Science Corridor.
Last week, the Government made important departmental changes with the creation of a new Science, Innovation and Technology Department. This will shine a stronger light on life sciences and other sectors that play such a vital role in our local economy. The Government also works to support investment in these sectors through research and development tax credits.
I work closely with AstraZeneca and Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership on local economic development plans. Cheshire East Council has developed clear plans for HS2 in Crewe, but greater focus now needs to be given to realising opportunities for life sciences and beyond in Macclesfield and north-east Cheshire.
Time and again employers tell me a clear priority for their recruitment and retention strategies is having the right homes and amenities in our communities, particularly for young people establishing their careers. We have excellent schools and Peaks & Plains' pioneering Crossings development points the way forward for more affordable homes in Macclesfield - but there’s clearly more to do to revitalise and repurpose our town centre.