Council launches ambitious Growth Plan to drive economic prosperity

Approved by Cabinet on 9 September, the Plan aims to deliver annual productivity growth above 2% by 2035, focusing on high-value sectors such as space, creative industries, high-performance technology, and life sciences. It also includes valuable, targeted support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through business development programmes and strategic partnerships.

The strategy was unveiled at the Buckinghamshire Economic Summit held at Pinewood Studios on 11 September, where business leaders, investors, health, and education partners came together to explore opportunities for closer collaboration supporting new growth and innovation. The Summit also launched the county’s Investment Pipeline – a portfolio of major projects designed to attract public and private investment.

Steven Broadbent, Leader of Buckinghamshire Council, said:

“Buckinghamshire is home to world-class industries and incredible talent, and this Plan sets out how we will unlock that potential. At our Economic Summit, we heard from businesses and partners about the opportunities ahead – from pioneering space technologies at Westcott to cutting-edge film production at Pinewood and high-performance engineering at Silverstone.

“Taking a lead on promoting the excellence and strengths of Buckinghamshire and its people is paramount. These projects are not just about growth in isolation, they’re about creating skilled jobs and opportunities, supporting our bedrock of impressive companies and SMEs, and ensuring Buckinghamshire remains a fantastic place to live and thrive. By working together, we can build a stronger, more innovative economy that benefits everyone.”

Flagship projects in the Investment Pipeline include:

• Westcott Space Cluster – A national hub for advanced space technologies, with plans for a National In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM) Facility and a National Drone Centre of Excellence.
• Silverstone Technology Cluster – A global centre for high-performance engineering, including a proposed Silverstone Incubator Village to drive R&D in new propulsion and advanced materials.
• Pinewood Studios & Creative Cluster – Home to blockbuster productions and the upcoming CoSTAR National Lab, an R&D facility that will put the UK at the forefront of immersive storytelling technologies – including gaming, virtual reality and on-screen entertainment.
• Town centre regeneration – Major redevelopment opportunities in Aylesbury and High Wycombe town centres, helping create vibrant mixed-use spaces, attractive environments and new commercial opportunities.

The Economic Growth Plan also commits to overcoming barriers to work for people and restrictions on business growth, including improving connectivity, investing in skills, and supporting SMEs through tailored business programmes. It aligns with the UK’s Industrial Strategy and positions Buckinghamshire as a key player in sectors critical to the national economy.

The Plan has been designed to provide the framework to help build a productive, inclusive, and resilient economy, aligning with the new National Industrial Strategy, to increase annual productivity growth and ensure that communities benefit from better jobs, infrastructure, and opportunities across Buckinghamshire.

It outlines five strategic priorities: growing high-value sectors such as space, film, engineering and life sciences; enhancing place and infrastructure, particularly in town centres and by improving connectivity for transport and housing; investing in people and skills through education, training and employment; encouraging innovation in areas like AI and R&D; and strengthening local and regional partnerships.

The Buckinghamshire Economic Growth Plan is available to view online.