PETERBOROUGH was one of only four UK cities to be shortlisted as a finalist in the Technology Strategy Board’s Future Cities Demonstrator competition last year, which intended to demonstrate how a city of the future might work more effectively, efficiently and sustainably.

Peterborough’s bid was highly praised by the Technology Strategy Board. The bid, named ‘Peterborough DNA’, built on the excellent work and innovation already underway in the city but set out how the city could be transformed for economic and environmental sustainability.

Now, Peterborough has been awarded £3million to take forward some of the pioneering elements included within the Future Cities bid. For example, it will help local companies bring innovative products to market as well as drive the development of local skills to meet the city’s business needs and growth ambitions. The funding will enable companies to test environmental solutions, supporting the city’s environment capital agenda, and create jobs through business growth and opportunity, to underpin the city’s economic development.

Opportunity Peterborough and Peterborough City Council led a partnership made up of local businesses and third sector organisations, with vital input from local consultancies, which successfully secured this funding.

Leader of Peterborough City Council Marco Cereste is delighted with today’s announcement, “This is fantastic news for Peterborough. It will allow us to drive forward some exciting projects in the city to benefit local business and local people. This is a vital injection of finance to Peterborough for completely new projects, which can be a great boost to the local economy at a time of severe financial pressure.”

The Technology Strategy Board has awarded the money to help drive integration across the systems that make the city function, leading to economic growth, through innovation and sustainability.

Steve Bowyer, head of economic development at Opportunity Peterborough said: “The competition was a complex one but has provided invaluable insights into how the city operates and all the innovative companies that are here. This funding will provide opportunities for businesses to bring new innovations to market as well as developing skills locally to drive Peterborough’s business success and its growing reputation for environmental and technological solutions. It was a great partnership that submitted the bid, and that will be invaluable going forward.”

The ‘FindMeKeepMe’ event will take place in Cathedral Square on Saturday, March 30 from 11am to 3pm.  It has been organised by Creative Peterborough – an independent funding body set up in 2011 to champion the needs of city artists – and supported by Vivacity and the Arts Council.

Around 50 local artists, performers and musicians have collaborated to produce a diverse range of work to be hidden around the city and then given away as gifts in a “treasure hunt” style event.

Shoppers will be given a treasure trail map to follow and find the hidden items, which include paintings, poems and crafts, at various sites and shops around the city centre.

There will also be live music and performance art displays, which people will be able to take part in, and two local photographers – Chris Porsz and Mel Evans – will take pictures of people on the day.

Keely Mills, from Creative Peterborough, said: “The event is a result of the growing profile of art in Peterborough and the high quality of work that is produced here. It will also give local artists the opportunity to showcase their work.

“I have been shocked by their generosity. To know we are giving away 1,000 pieces of work is testament to the city’s enhancing cultural scene. We just want the Peterborough public to come into the city and take them home.”

To find out more visit Creative Peterborough’s Facebook group, following the Twitter account @CreativePboro #findmekeepme or visit www.creativepeterborough.com

Chancellor George Osbourne’s budget should slash corporation tax for smaller firms in line with the 25 per cent drop enjoyed by larger firms since the coalition government came to power, says a senior executive at V&A Vigar & Co LLP.

Since May 2010, the government has announced four separate cuts in corporation tax for firms making in excess of £300,000 profit a year, with the latest set to see the rate fall to 21 per cent next year from its 2010 rate of 28 per cent. During the same period, corporation tax for smaller firms has fallen by less than five per cent, from 21 per cent to 20 per cent, sparking criticism from small business owners.

Amanda Vigar (above), managing partner at V&A Vigar & Co LLP, said she would like to see the chancellor cut the fiscal burden for smaller firms in line with the tax reductions enjoyed by larger firms.

Ms Vigar said, “The cuts in corporation tax seem designed mainly to attract multi-national firms with overseas headquarters to invest in the UK. While that is welcome, it does very little to help small businesses, many of which are valiantly battling through as the UK economy carries along the road to recovery.

“Small businesses make up about 99 per cent of the UK’s economy, and rising business rates, energy bills and employment costs are all squeezing their profits.

“It also seems a little unfair that large and extremely profitable firms should pay virtually the same percentage in tax as your local corner shop, butcher or baker. That would be the equivalent of asking part-time teaching assistant to pay the same percentage of tax as a multi-millionaire entrepreneur.

“In his upcoming budget, I hope the chancellor listens to and considers the smaller businesses which make up the backbone of the UK’s economy and on which more than half of all private sector employment depends. We cannot afford to neglect smaller firms if we are serious about keeping Britain on the road to economic recovery.”

The organisers would like Peterborough businesses to get involved. Sponsorship packages are available for £250, with a personal and private viewing evenings including drinks, and the group is also collecting prizes, big or small, for an ongoing raffle over the three months.

As well as inviting the public and many industries and organisations involved in health care, the exhibition is asking schools to take special visits to help pupils better understand Down’s syndrome.

If you would like to take up the offer of a sponsorship package, or donate to the raffle, please contact Terry Harris on 07747 606996. For more information about the exhibition visit www.dsthebigpicture.com

The news has been welcomed by business groups, including the Federation of Small Businesses and the Forum of Private Business.

The Prompt Payment Code is a code of conduct which commits signatories to pay suppliers on time, give clear guidance to suppliers and to encourage good practice. Business Minister Michael Fallon wrote to big businesses in November urging them to sign up to the Prompt Payment Code or be named publicly.

Mr Jackson MP said, “This is great news for small businesses, both in Peterborough and in Cambridgeshire more widely. Small business owners constantly tell me how vital prompt payment is – and this committed drive from Conservatives in Government will deliver long-term benefit for businesses up and down the country.”

Michael Fallon, Business Minister, said, “Late payment is a real issue for businesses across the country. It is not fair – poor cash flow can prevent small firms growing and even push them into insolvency. We need to improve the payment culture and I welcome the response of big businesses in signing up to the common sense principles in the Prompt Payment Code.

“But the work will not stop here. I will keep up pressure on firms to sign up and continue to ensure government leads by example in paying its suppliers on time. Central government has a good record. Now, I will be challenging other parts of the public sector to show their commitment to the principles of the Code.”

LAST year saw a record number of company formations in Peterborough, according to a new report from company formation specialists, Duport.co.uk.

New research from Duport.co.uk reveals that company formation rose to a record high in Peterborough during 2012. Between January and December, there were 1381 new limited companies registered – more than any other year on record for the city and a 17 per cent rise on the previous year.

The Duport report also shows that net company growth in Peterborough outstripped the national average last year, and that the UK company share of the city rose for the second year running.

Peterborough has previously been identified as one of the country’s ‘hotspots’ for new businesses. In the last year, Royal Sun Alliance, Amazon, Tesco, Van Hage and the Stobart Group have either set up in the area or expanded their existing operations. The local council is also working hard to attract smaller business and independent retailers – which could be behind the boom in new company formations.

Peter Valaitis, managing director of Duport.co.uk, said, “Peterborough is extremely well-placed, with easy links to London and the rest of the country. This makes is a great choice for large and small businesses alike.

“The record number of new company formations is a promising sign for the local economy, and I expect we will see many of these start-ups grow and flourish in years to come.”

The Duport Business Confidence Report for Peterborough provides fascinating data that can be used to gain an insight into the local business landscape. More information and statistics can be found at http://www.duport.co.uk/peterborough.

PETERBOROUGH has been invited to exhibit at leading business innovation event Innovate UK in London between 11-13 March 2013.

Run by the Technology Strategy Board and UK Trade & Investment, the event aims to accelerate UK economic growth by stimulating business-led innovation and opening up international trade opportunities.

The event will bring together over 4,000 people from UK and international business, Government and academia. Peterborough has been selected by the Technology Strategy Board to exhibit at the event as one of the UK’s most innovative cities.

In November 2012, Peterborough was one of only four UK cities to be shortlisted for the Future Cities Demonstrator Competition. The competition and its £24m prize intended to demonstrate how a city of the future might work.

Although Glasgow was announced as the overall winner of the competition, despite Scotland’s referendum on independence due to take place next year, the judging panel was impressed with Peterborough’s bid and the city’s track record for delivering innovative projects, particularly in relation to sustainability and the environment.

Now, Peterborough has been hand-picked to showcase some of its most innovative local businesses and further embed the city’s reputation for environmental business and technological solutions.

Steve Bowyer, head of economic development at Opportunity Peterborough said, “We are really pleased that Peterborough has been invited to exhibit at Innovate UK. It’s a fantastic platform to demonstrate the city’s ambition and commitment to sustainability and innovation. It’s also a good opportunity to highlight innovative businesses already operating in Peterborough and attract others to join them.”

Iain Gray, chief executive of the Technology Strategy Board said, “All our exhibitors are specially selected by the Technology Strategy Board and UKTI to feature at the exhibition and can demonstrate truly innovative products, services or technologies that have been developed here in the UK. We’re very pleased that Peterborough is taking part in the event and believe it is a great representation of the UK’s strength in innovative business.”

For further details on the Innovate UK exhibition please visit www.innovateuk2013.co.uk

Peterborough businesses continue to try to manage down all their costs to help them survive the economic downturn and energy bills continue to be a significant burden for many.

One of the best ways of reducing the cost of energy for your office or factory is to simply use less of it. The smarter we are with heat, light and equipment management, the better it is for our bottom line and the planet.

The Energy Savings Trust (EST) is a government-supported body that helps companies cut fuel costs through employee engagement and cultural change in organisations. Much of the EST website is dedicated to consumer advice and energy efficiency in the home but there is a very useful section here (click) for businesses.

The other way to drive down fuel costs is to be always looking for the best possible value tariffs. Lots of businesses lack the time and resources to constantly seek out the best deals on energy tariffs, they are too busy carrying out their main business of making a product or providing a service.

Help is a hand, however, in the shape of energy provider comparison websites like the Energy Helpline. Like the Energy Savings Trust, the Energy Helpline provides help to thousands of domestic users but it also has a dedicated service for businesses here (click).

Sites such as the Energy Helpline compare prices from all the main providers, including British Gas, npower, e.on, EDF and many more. Finding the best tariff for an organisation and then helping it switch could be just the thing many hard-pressed businesses in Peterborough need to help restore their profits and secure their futures.

A NEW online care directory featuring local companies, which will help adults and carers choose the services they need to help them lead a full and independent life, is being launched by Peterborough City Council.

Companies are being urged to register their details for free on www.peterboroughcaredirectory.org.uk before the Peterborough Care Directory is launched to the public later in March 2013.

Services range from home care providers to mobile hairdressers, handymen to home visiting opticians, and providers of aids and adaptations to local care homes will be included in the directory.

People can view a three minute online film clip which explains what the directory will be used for and how people will benefit. To view the link click here.

Terry Rich, Executive Director of Adult Social Care for Peterborough City Council, said: “The Government has tasked every local authority in the country with radically improving their online information and support services. This is to make it easier for people to access the services they need and provide them with the details to select the provider that best meets their needs.

“Our new online care directory is where we expect to display all the information about the full range of care services available to people in Peterborough. Customers looking for a provider of care services will be using the new online directory, so companies not registered could lose out if they don’t register.

“We recognise that not every service user will be able to access the online directory, however these people will have carers and/or family members who will be able to access the directory on their behalf.”

Peterborough Care Directory will become the main source of information for carers, members of the public and family members to find support services.

Historically an annual paper-based community care directory, the new online directory means improved access and up-to-date information on services available for people looking for social care and support. People without internet access can call (01733) 747474 to speak to someone who can search services for them.

Adding details to the directory is easy – companies control the information and can update it as and when required.

Companies can register their details by visiting www.peterboroughcaredirectory.org.uk and clicking ‘Supplier Registration’. Details should be completed as instructed, including assigning the service offered to one or more of the categories listed, remembering to click ‘Update Live Site’ when finished and following any changes.

DECLARATION: the video appearing at the beginning of this article was produced for Peterborough City Council by NorthLight Media Ltd, publisher of Peterboroughbusiness.co.uk. For more information about affordable corporate video, call 07768 261276 or email martyn@northlightmedia.co.uk

Think Peterborough is a collaboration between Anglia Ruskin University, University Centre Peterborough and Peterborough Regional College to provide a range of accredited staff development courses.

Offering qualifications ranging from NVQs through to Masters Degrees, Think Peterborough can equip local businesses – and their employees – with the skills to prosper.

Think Peterborough’s courses have been designed to meet the requirements of a variety of organisations operating across the private, public and third sectors. Each can be delivered online, face-to-face, on campus in Peterborough or in the workplace.

Spanning Peterborough and the surrounding region – including Huntingdon, Fenland and Stamford – the Think Peterborough partnership is dedicated to helping the region meet its aspirations by providing top-quality education for business.

Jon Bouffler, director of learning and development services at Anglia Ruskin, said, “Think Peterborough exists as a gateway to the kind of staff development solutions that can change businesses for the better.

“Businesses led and supported by motivated, educated staff are better equipped to thrive themselves and to respond to the challenges of today’s economic landscape.

“Think Peterborough is designed for Peterborough, by Peterborough. That means we specialise in areas of strategic importance for the region, and if we don’t already have a course that meets your precise organisational needs, we offer a bespoke solution to develop exactly that.”

Liz Knight, academic director at University Centre Peterborough, said, “Each Think Peterborough partner is fully committed to the delivery of education to the region’s businesses, and having worked with many well-known organisations already, there is no doubting the calibre of the courses on offer.

“This kind of offering can be of huge benefit to businesses in Peterborough and the surrounding region – and, by extension, to the area as a whole.

“Think Peterborough can help make our city stronger through education – and the time is right to get things moving.”

Brian Redshaw, vice principal of Peterborough Regional College, said, “Think Peterborough partners are focused on supporting economic growth. Our aim is to support both existing and future workforce development in Peterborough and the surrounding areas.”

Think Peterborough will be formally launched at the Peterborough Bondholder Breakfast at The Marriott Hotel, Peterborough Business Park, on Thursday, 7 February (7.30-9am) www.opportunitypeterborough.co.uk/events/

To find out more about Think Peterborough, visit http://thinkpeterborough.anglia.ac.uk/ or call 0845 196 6709.