One of New Anglia’s most famous sons is John Winthrop, born in Suffolk in 1587 a founding pilgrim of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, which we know better today as New England. Winthrop is recognised in history for his biblical vision of a ‘city on a hill’, which still influences modern day political thinking across the world.
That vision was of a city standing proud and a city built of rock. It was one of ‘…free ports humming with commerce and creativity…’ That vision is one that many across Norfolk and Suffolk share but whether they would see the green economy as part of that vision is another matter.
If Winthrop were alive today would his pulse race on first hearing of a ‘Green Economy Pathfinder?’ Who knows, but it is one of the biggest opportunities for Norfolk and Suffolk business, perhaps in a generation.
There is no doubt that the UK economy is facing a tough time. We are not immune from the challenges and impacts of the downturn, but we are by no means the worst affected. Of course it addresses the buzz words of the moment such as securing jobs, developing skills, underpinning growth, promoting innovation and establishing the local economy as a leader in the global marketplace.
But the Green Economy Pathfinder – or GEP for short – in reality is our opportunity to have a hand in shaping the future, for the good of everyone. And in the driving seat is the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership of which the GEP project is part.
A green economy is not a sub-set of the economy at large – our whole economy needs to be green. A green economy will maximise value and growth across the whole economy, while managing natural assets sustainably.
Therefore this important piece of work, which started with a phone call from Whitehall – reverse charge of course – will help UK businesses take advantage of new markets for environmental goods and services. It will demonstrate the strong stance the UK is taking internationally to reduce carbon and tackle climate change.
And Norfolk and Suffolk have a golden opportunity to lead that recovery – by example.
In recent months as I have helped to lead the GEP I have met people of innovation and ideas; projects full of promise and potential; and places that belong in the future more than the present. The people that are driving our economy forward here in Norfolk and Suffolk are nothing short of inspirational.
The GEP is an invitation from government to show UK plc, and the wider world, just how it’s done. To set out a ‘roadmap’ for recovery, not only to showcase our experience, but our ideas too. And on the agenda is low carbon innovation and finance; business efficiency; off-grid energy; renewables; offshore wind; broadband; smart communities; the value of our natural capital; investment funding; and so much more.
But to make the GEP really work, to see it make a real difference and for it leave a foundation for that economic development and job creation it has to show government and others how barriers to growth must be removed to shift the economy to a more resilient and resource-efficient path.
It’s not about money from Whitehall. Winthrop’s vision 400 years ago didn’t call for government support. It was then and is now about business large and small, leading the way, working with the public sector, to make things happen.
The GEP project is for everyone who wants to grow their business, to secure jobs and to put low carbon at the heart of opportunity and success.
The next steps of our work will see the publication of a manifesto that we will deliver to government in June. We want everyone to be part of it, which is why we will be making our voice heard loud and clear in Whitehall, across the UK and in the global marketplace too. Let’s hope it would make John Winthrop proud.