News from Sajeimpact and partners
An important week for our regional economy, and it was god timing to share a few thoughts from my 30 years of economic regeneration journey at the Midlands Engine event in Nottingham.
I really welcome the launch of the Midlands Growth Story—an interactive tool for partners, policymakers, and investors. The Growth Story combines data, analysis, and impact stories to showcase the region’s strengths and opportunities.
Last week in Copenhagen, I had the opportunity to visit The Happiness Research Institute Museum. This visit was particularly meaningful as I've been following their agenda for years and have been applying their insights to my work and those around me. My passion for physical activity policy is deeply rooted in this broader measure of well-being.
I was pleased to see the government recently shift its focus from merely aiming for the fastest GDP growth in the G7 to a greater emphasis on "improving household incomes and raising living standards". While it's not yet a complete transition to measuring happiness and well-being, it's a promising start.
The Happiness Index has gained significant attention for its potential to guide policy decisions. But what exactly is the Happiness Index? It’s a composite measure that combines various factors contributing to overall well-being:
It was good to be in Birmingham with the Sport for Development Coalition and partners StreetGames UK and Personal Best Foundation at our conference “A force for Good During Times of Change”
A massive thank you to everyone who was involved speaking , leading workshops and attending. As I said in my opening remarks I hope we were all challenged in our thinking and learned something new so that we can operate better and more effectively for the communities the sector serves.
Dock 3-5 at Pioneer Park located near the Space Park and National Space Centre Leicester - now officially open.
A lovely morning with Leicester City Council Mayor SPS officially opening the new units. Pleased that the LLEP through the Enterprise Zone had been so heavily involved in this initiative.
It was just 18 months ago we all stood on the site with 'The spade' photo opportunity so well done to everyone involved. Pleased to see the first tenants in place and if Dock 1 is anything to go by this will be full soon.
Another 'opening' this week. I was delighted to join colleagues from the Charnwood Borough Council Loughborough Town Deal Board at the official opening of the John Taylor & Co. Bellfoundry and Heritage experience.
The official opening was carried out by Murray Colville DL and the Mayor Dr. Julie Bradshaw MBE with warm words from Tony Butler on behalf of the National Lottery Heritage Fund who were the main funders alongside the Town Deal.
I was at Labour conference this year in Liverpool, chairing a sports session and meeting people to discuss sport, physical activity, sport for development and growing the Leicestershire economy.
I chaired a session for StreetGames with the Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock MP and supported Dr Jeevun Sandher MP with Loughborough University.
Really pleased to finally get our newly formed Leicester and Leicestershire Business and Skills Board up and running at our first meeting on Monday this week.
I was appointed as Chair by the City Mayor and Leader of the Leicestershire County Council to help establish the Board as part of our role in helping both authorities in their economic prosperity agenda. Both Upper Tier Authorities were keen to ensure a Business Voice was at the heart of their decision making , and we have a great partnership.
Wonderful to be at MIRA Technology Park again yesterday to be part of the celebration of the Kings Award for Enterprise and Sustainable Development.
I love working with Mira and Sarah Windrum Declan Allen Tim Nathan Jack Bartlett and the team. What happens at MIRA is still not widely understood so it is always good to shout about this leading economic driver in our County through the LLEP Enterprise Zone
It was a pleasure to join Mike Denby and Rebecca Henson on behalf of Invest in Leicester and the LLEP at the East Midlands Property Dinner. It is vital the Leicestershire voice is strong across the region so it was great to meet so many involved in the major developments we have seen in recent years, and more importantly the future pipeline.
Back to the hashtag#Sports agenda this week, after a bit of a mini break focussing on the wider social and economic issues facing Loughborough, Leicestershire and the country. It has been useful to put into context the 'sport and physical activity' lobby in this wider context! The @llep Business Board Kick starts in mid September too!
