A new report shows that Milton Keynes is one of the best places in the country for businesses specialising in new technologies and industries of the future.
Centre for Cities published its ‘At the frontier: The geography of the UK’s new economy’ report today (14 December) which maps out the best places for new and emerging technologies to be based and the drivers behind their locations. The ‘new economy’ is defined as 47 technologically advanced sectors – made up of both services and manufacturing businesses, including robotics and autonomous vehicles.
The report states that Milton Keynes is among the most attractive places for ‘new economy’ businesses with more than 30 firms in the future technologies sector per 10,000 working-age residents. According to the report, cities like Milton Keynes that are attractive to one type of ‘new economy’ business tend to draw others in too.
Just recently, Milton Keynes City Council secured £1m of government funding to develop and deploy drones that could speed up the delivery of vital medicines, ease road congestion and reduce carbon emissions globally. The City Council also announced that four South Korean start-up companies specialising in future sustainable transport chose Milton Keynes to trial their products.
“This report further emphasises that we’re a world-leading smart city and a place that empowers businesses that will provide jobs of the future for local people. We’re ready to take on the challenge and support businesses looking to make a real difference for our communities and grow the local economy. We’ve got really big ambitions for our city which is backed up by this report, but we can’t be complacent. We’re determined to make MK an even more attractive place to do business, so we can secure good and well-paid jobs for local people while growing our economy in a fair, green and sustainable way.”