Today (26 June), Mike Reader MP launched the new Northamptonshire Growth, Innovation and Productivity (NGIP) Board where businesses, public services and the University of Northampton will come together to take a strategic leadership role for economic growth across the county.
The Board will play a key role in strengthening Northamptonshire’s ability to attract investment, improve productivity, and support skills development by aligning activity across sectors and organisations.
Acting as a strategic forum for coordination and collaboration, NGIP will help shape priorities, inform funding bids, and connect partners to national opportunities. It will focus on driving delivery through clear priorities, coordinated action, and measurable outcomes.
Key areas of focus will include skills development, investment readiness, digital adoption, and sector growth, supported by the development of flagship projects and shared performance measures.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Northampton Anne-Marie Kilday said: “The University of Northampton contributes £336 million to the UK economy each year and we have a central role to play in both driving growth and sharing our knowledge to support innovation and change the community for the better.
“Working closely with employers means we are able to produce graduates with the right skills, support businesses to scale-up and help attract investment to support a thriving Northamptonshire economy.”
The group will build on the work of existing partnerships across Northamptonshire, including Made in Northamptonshire, the Logistics Forum, Digital Northants and the Local Visitor Economy Partnership which include key networks, such as the Hoteliers Association and the business tourism network.
NGIP will also work alongside, and build on existing initiatives from, public sector partners including Northampton College, North Northamptonshire Council and West Northamptonshire Council.
Chair of the NGIP Board Mike Reader MP said: “Northamptonshire’s strategic location and thriving industries provide a significant opportunity to attract investment, increase productivity and boost economic growth through innovation and collaboration.
“By bringing public service and business leaders together we hope to be more ambitious and joined up, increasing the opportunities and national funding needed to ultimately make Northamptonshire the best place to live and work.”
The launch of NGIP took place during Fuelling Innovation Fortnight, a campaign that brought together businesses from across Northamptonshire to share ideas, build connections and explore opportunities that support long-term growth and development.
During two packed weeks of workshops, networking, panel discussions and business-focused sessions, businesses learned more about how to be innovative with funding, productivity, skills, technology and collaboration to enhance business growth.
Chair of the Northamptonshire Logistics Industry Forum Clare Bottle said: “I see every day how innovation is reshaping the way goods move, businesses operate and supply chains respond to changing demands. Fuelling Innovation Fortnight and the leadership provided by the Northamptonshire Growth, Innovation & Productivity (NGIP) Board are helping to connect organisations, share expertise and turn ideas into practical outcomes.
“Together, we are building on Northamptonshire’s strengths and enhancing its reputation as a leading region for logistics, innovation and business growth.”
