Exciting times for new businesses

The number of new companies has grown steadily over the last few years and just shows how our reputation as a great business location is attracting and inspiring new ventures.

There are lots of reasons for that – our world-leading digital infrastructure, access to superior road and rail networks and operational cost-effectiveness of doing business are just a few examples. We’re also building on our strong reputation within a number of important business sectors including energy and environment, digital and creative and the financial industry.

Growing our business prowess is exactly what’s needed to continue to drive the city’s growth and encourage new investment, and that’s why the council stands firm on our commitment to invest in Peterborough’s economic development.

Starting up a new business is exciting but it can be stressful, and there is a lot to think about. If you’re one of Peterborough’s newest companies, I wish you the very best of luck.

Make sure you contact our local economic development company Opportunity Peterborough for advice on how to make your venture a big success. You might be able to access government support or grants and plenty of general advice is on offer. They will also help you build important relationships with other companies in and around the city, so it’s well worth approaching them.

n It’s also been a great couple of weeks for anyone who, like me, is fascinated by Peterborough’s rich history. The Bronze Age roundhouses uncovered at Must Farm, near Whittlesey, are being hailed as Britain’s equivalent to Pompeii.

The site has revealed a perfectly preserved moment in time from 3,000 years ago, and will be vital in improving historians’ understanding of the UK’s past.

And with the publication of hundreds of messages from soldiers heading off from Peterborough to fight in the First World War, it’s a very exciting time for armchair historians like myself. This story, together with the Bronze Age settlement, has generated international media coverage and really put the city on the map for its historical discoveries.

If you haven’t visited the newly opened vaults at Peterborough Museum, I would certainly recommend you do. The tour uses the latest technology and effects to bring history to life in a very atmospheric way.

Hats off to Vivacity who are playing a vital role in highlighting the city’s amazing heritage.

It’s good to know that it’s not just the heroes of yesterday that are supported in Peterborough.

n This week Cabinet approved an important change in how we help veterans who have been injured in service. At the moment, the British Legion says that only 12 per cent of councils in Britain let wounded veterans keep all their compensation when they receive care.

I’m pleased to confirm we have joined them, as the decision this week means that injured servicemen and women in our city will not be expected to use their compensation to pay for care.

The move means we are being fairer to those that have made sacrifices for the country. It’s important to show these important people the respect and gratitude they deserve.