WELLINGBOROUGH Chamber of Commerce’s Enterprising Wellingborough campaign, to promote Wellingborough and its potential for future growth, was launched last December at a Business Breakfast hosted by the Chamber. Over 80 local business people heard about the proposed bid for additional funding by Northamptonshire Enterprise Partnership to central government, which is part of a £2bn devolution of funding to local areas.
WELLINGBOROUGH Chamber of Commerce’s Enterprising Wellingborough campaign, to promote Wellingborough and its potential for future growth, was launched last December at a Business Breakfast hosted by the Chamber. Over 80 local business people heard about the proposed bid for additional funding by Northamptonshire Enterprise Partnership to central government, which is part of a £2bn devolution of funding to local areas. Up to £100m could be secured for Northamptonshire, and the Chamber of Commerce is keen that Wellingborough fights hard to secure some of this funding for vital infrastructure which will help the area accommodate future growth. Chamber President, James Wilson, said: “Wellingborough’s future growth has been planned for some time but major development proposals have been stalled due to the recession. With returning confidence in the housing market schemes could now start to happen which would give a massive boost to the town and would bring forward significant private investment for infrastructure. However, public funding is also needed to be phased this alongside this private investment.” Some funding has already been secured and works to improve the bottleneck on the A45 at the Wilby Way roundabout are likely to complete in the early summer, which will give extra capacity for the town’s main east/west artery. Further resources will be needed for the A45/A14 link road to provide faster connections north/south and infrastructure to support the east of the town to help develop Stanton Cross and improvements to the station is also required. The early release of employment land that is attractive to the market is also crucial for Wellingborough’s growth to attract further industry and commerce. The Chamber is confident that Wellingborough’s future will be strong for both existing businesses and those locating here. Following on from the business survey undertaken in December the Chamber will continue to canvass its members and the wider business community to understand what are the most important issues facing the town and to campaign for these improvements and infrastructure projects to be delivered. If you have any issues or wish to join the Chamber and add your voice to help improve the town’s competitive position please contact either James Wilson on 01604 812115 or David Cross on 01933 652252.