South East Regional Minister Jonathan Shaw today toured the home of Formula One team, Red Bull Racing, one of Milton Keynes’ success stories.
Red Bull Racing, a Formula One team, which has a research and development
facility in Tilbrook, is typical of Milton Keynes’ growth story.
The tour of Red Bull Racing was among a number of visits in Milton Keynes
to see how the area is responding to the current economic challenges and to
see examples of investment in the local economy.
He also visited:
- Network Rail – the company has announced plans to build a
‘national centre’ in Milton Keynes which would bring together
elements of the business which have, until now, been dispersed throughout
the UK. This would be the biggest ever inward investment in Milton
Keynes, supporting the growth of the significant railway-related services
in the area. If approved, the move could bring 3,000 staff to the city by
2012.
- The Broughton Gate development where all the housing is built to higher
energy efficiency standards. Nearby the new primary school is under
construction, to deal with the influx of new residents. Within the next
seven years, this area will be home to 10,000 people with employment in
logistics and other modern industries on the doorstep.
- The recently completed Vizion project, one of the most sustainable city
centre developments in England, which includes a base for the voluntary
sector, a range of space/offices for small businesses, Sainsbury’s
food retail employing over 600 people, and 400 homes. Sainsbury’s
green roof provides a park and gardens for residents.
- The University Centre Milton Keynes, which since opening to students in
September 2008 prides itself on delivering excellence to its students. Here
the Minister welcomed the council’s successful bid under the
Government’s Future Jobs Fund which will create up to 96 jobs. He
also learned more about how the voluntary sector is helping the city
through the recession.
Jonathan Shaw said:
“The recession has affected us all, and has had devastating
effects. But in gloomy economic times it is even more essential we look
for the positive, and work together to stave off the worst effects and
pave the way for a stronger future.
“Milton Keynes is a fine example of that.
“I have seen companies which challenge themselves and look to the
future; I have seen whole new communities taking shape; I have seen
innovative technology and I have seen the public and private sector
working together to ensure the city can secure the skills it needs for
the future.
“Skills development is a vital part of developing communities and
creating successful local economy.”
He added:
“Milton Keynes is an innovative, vibrant and positive city, and
it is vital to the South East economy.
“As the city continues to develop it becomes an even more
attractive place for employers to invest and employees to work.”
The Minister urged local employers to support the Backing Young Britain, a
national campaign to create new opportunities for thousands of young
people.
Milton Keynes is the South East’s largest growth area. It is bidding
to be a host city for the 2018 World Cup.
Milton Keynes Council set up a task group to work on lifting the area out
of recession which meets fortnightly with a membership which includes
Business Link, Economic partnership (funded by SEEDA) and the Voluntary
sector.
The local authority has invested more than £2million in supporting
activities to ease the recession.
Milton Keynes Council Chief Executive David Hill said:
“Milton Keynes is known for its innovation, modern skills and
modern thinking. We have taken the opportunity to share some of our
city economic success stories with the Minister and to show him why so
many major employers are choosing to move to Milton Keynes.
“We’re particularly excited to be welcoming the Minister
fresh on the news that we will be creating 96 new jobs for the long
term unemployed young people as part of the Government’s Future
Jobs Fund scheme.”
John Lewis, Chief Executive of Milton Keynes Partnership, said:
“We work closely with partners to align our aspirations for the
city and our plans, priorities and proposed investment to make this a
reality. Today has been a great opportunity to show the Minister
for the South East how by working together like this we can inspire
confidence in partners and investors and achieve better results for
Milton Keynes and everyone who lives and works here.”
Christian Horner, Team Principal, Red Bull Racing:
"The local area is home to several Formula One teams. Since Red Bull
Racing began at the end of 2004, it has become a Championship
challenging team in less than five years. The team currently lies
second in the 2009 Formula One Constructors' Championship.
Geographically, based in Milton Keynes, the team is perfectly placed to
operate in Formula One Grand Prix."
For further information please contact:
Jane Manning
Press Secretary to the South East Regional Minister
079 207 51161
jane.manning@gose.gsi.gov.uk
