A new partnership has been created by Ealing Council, aiming to generate a new wave of business growth and local career opportunities in Greenford.
Announced last week, the Greenford Innovation Partnership will connect industries, landowners, schools, training, research and other key stakeholders, to boost innovation and growth in sustainable manufacturing, logistics and other key sectors.
Innovation districts are vibrant areas where landowners, businesses, start-ups, and academic institutions come together, with a mix of workspaces, housing, schools, training facilities, and improved public space. This setup aims to create an environment where people can live, work, and play, whilst driving business growth and creating jobs.
Leading centre for green and high-tech jobs
Greenford is home to companies such as Brompton Bikes and Vantage Power, and boasts nearly 1,000 high-tech manufacturing jobs, making the area 8 times more specialised in this sector compared to the London average. With great transport links and a strong industrial background, the area is well-positioned for economic growth.
Greenford’s strong industrial base offers a big opportunity for green innovation and sustainable logistics. The innovation district will build on the town’s rich industrial history and focus on attracting new green businesses, while helping existing ones reduce their carbon footprint.
Creating job pathways
An early commitment by the partnership is to outline a new approach to connect local businesses with schools in Greenford, opening up exciting career pathways for young people.
The new partnership will better connect businesses with other council programmes, like Learn Ealing, to boost skills and create job pathways through Work Ealing.
Ealing Council’s new jobs and skills strategy outlines a commitment to bring good, well-paid jobs to the borough and ensure the right businesses can thrive, by focusing on its high-growth sectors and innovation industries. The council is also working to secure affordable workspaces across 7 towns.
Connecting businesses
On 17 September, the Greenford Innovation Partnership was launched at an event which welcomed businesses, landowners, developers, and institutions. Chaired by Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, the council’s cabinet member for decent living incomes, the event provided insights into other innovation partnerships across the country, and identified key priorities and topics for collaboration.
Creating long-term growth
Councillor Peter Mason, leader of the council, said: “This partnership is a transformative step forward for Greenford, and it will have a meaningful impact on the everyday lives of local people. Through providing vital support to sustainable and high-tech industries, this new partnership will be key in securing Greenford’s economic future and building a strong and thriving communities filled with identity and pride.”
Councillor Nagpal said: “By helping small and medium-sized businesses to start up and flourish, and connect with one another and local schools, local people will have much better access to new job opportunities, training, and apprenticeships. This new partnership will make it easier for local residents to upskill or reskill into new and emerging sectors, and access the decent living income they deserve.”
Email invest@ealing.gov.uk for more information.
