About Cambridge Ahead
We exist to be a catalyst for the sustainable and inclusive growth
of Cambridge over the long-term.
We work with policymakers locally and nationally to support their statutory role in shaping the future of Cambridge, with over a decade of experience research, analysis, and acting in partnership to make a positive difference towards long-term prosperity and quality of life.
Our Values
We are evidence-led in how we work and believe that better evidence leads to better decision making.
Improving quality of life is at the heart of our work and what we advocate for.
We have a broad and in-depth focus, taking whole-system and long-term views, looking at the “bigger picture” across the whole Cambridge ecosystem, the region Cambridge sits within, and out to the long-term.
Our Role
We produce and publish gold-standard data, insight, and analysis to inform policymaking in, and for, Cambridge.
We are expert and active convenors of the ABC – working across Academia, Business, and the Civic Community in the Cambridge City Region, and with national stakeholders.
We are a powerful voice for Cambridge – championing the unique contribution this economy can make in local, regional, and national arenas.
We work and collaborate closely with both Central and Local Government to inform policymaking and interventions across a wide range of issues and topics.
We not only produce highly credible and relevant research, but we also actively bring the public and private sectors together to engage with and respond to this evidence. We work hard to play our part in positive collective impact.
Our Strategic focuses 2024-2026
INFRASTRUCTURE THAT ENABLES OUR FULL LONG-TERM POTENTIAL
It is only through the long-term planning and provision of infrastructure, notably transport and utilities, that sustainable and inclusive growth scenarios will be possible. Inclusive growth, that actively spreads benefits to more local communities, is a vital component to quality of life and long-term prosperity.
THE ABILITY OF LOCAL PEOPLE TO ACCESS GOOD CAMBRIDGE JOBS
Inclusive growth, that actively spreads benefits to more local communities, is a vital component to quality of life and long-term prosperity.
GOVERNMENT FOCUS ON CAMBRIDGE, CURRENTLY THROUGH CAMBRIDGE 2040
Proactively inputting local evidence and analysis into Government's programmes directly relating to Cambridge.
OVERCOMING THE LOCAL DELIVERY DEADLOCK
We must deliver infrastructure and policy changes that facilitate sustainable and inclusive growth. If we fail to do so, quality of life for existing communities will worsen as job creation continues.
We will support work led by others on:
Net Zero Transition - We will continue to collaborate with partners like Cambridge Zero and groups such as the City Leaders Group to find areas where we can add value.
Government policy towards high-growth clusters and their regions - We have been instrumental in setting up groups like the Supercluster Board and the Growing Together Alliance and will continue to collaborate with them to influence government policies on high-growth clusters.
Our Members
The current membership includes some of Cambridge’s most influential organisations. Our 51 members represent a working population of approximately 40,000 people in Cambridge. View our current members here.
Our History
In 2012, the “Cambridge 2030 Vision” program identified a need for the wider business community to find a consistent way to articulate its ambitions, needs and views for the future. Many business organisations already existed in the city but none to assess the priorities, to advocate action and to maintain a constant dialogue with political and community leaders.
Cambridge Ahead was launched in 2013 by a team of individuals from across the business and academic community. The team included Jeremy Newsum, Professor Peter Landshoff (2030 Vision), Matthew Bullock, Dr David Cleevely (CSP), Christopher Walkinshaw and Robert Marshall (Marshall of Cambridge), Warren East (arm), Jonathan Nicholls (University of Cambridge), Charles Cotton (Cambridge Phenomenon), St Clair Armitage (Addenbrookes Hospital), Nicholas Bewes (Howard Group), James Buxton (Pigeon Land), Ian Mather (Mills and Reeve), Paul Bailey (Bailey Fisher), Patrick McMahon (Bidwells) and founding CEO Jane Paterson-Todd.