Buckinghamshire Council launches 10-year Economic Growth Plan
It primarily aims to deliver annual productivity growth of more than 2% by 2035
Buckinghamshire Council has launched its new Economic Growth Plan for 2025–2035, setting out a framework to support economic development across the county over the next decade.
The Plan, approved by Cabinet on 9 September, aims to deliver annual productivity growth of more than 2% by 2035. It focuses on high-value sectors including space, creative industries, high-performance technology, and life sciences.
Targeted support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is also included through business development programmes and strategic partnerships.
The strategy was formally presented at the Buckinghamshire Economic Summit at Pinewood Studios, where representatives from business, investment, education, and health organisations met to discuss opportunities for collaboration.
The Summit also launched the county’s Investment Pipeline, a portfolio of major projects designed to attract public and private investment.
Council Leader Steven Broadbent said:
“Buckinghamshire is home to world-class industries and incredible talent, and this Plan sets out how we will unlock that potential. At our Economic Summit, we heard from businesses and partners about the opportunities ahead – from pioneering space technologies at Westcott to cutting-edge film production at Pinewood and high-performance engineering at Silverstone.
Taking a lead on promoting the excellence and strengths of Buckinghamshire and its people is paramount. These projects are not just about growth in isolation, they’re about creating skilled jobs and opportunities, supporting our bedrock of impressive companies and SMEs, and ensuring Buckinghamshire remains a fantastic place to live and thrive. By working together, we can build a stronger, more innovative economy that benefits everyone.”
Flagship projects in the Investment Pipeline include:
Westcott Space Cluster – with plans for a National In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM) Facility and a National Drone Centre of Excellence.
Silverstone Technology Cluster – including a proposed Silverstone Incubator Village to support research and development in new propulsion and advanced materials.
Pinewood Studios & Creative Cluster – home to film production and the upcoming CoSTAR National Lab, a research facility focused on immersive storytelling technologies.
Town centre regeneration – major redevelopment opportunities in Aylesbury and High Wycombe, aimed at creating mixed-use spaces and new commercial opportunities.
The Plan also includes measures to address barriers to employment and business growth, such as improving transport and digital connectivity, investing in skills, and supporting SMEs through tailored programmes.
It identifies five strategic priorities: growing high-value sectors; enhancing infrastructure and place; investing in people and skills; encouraging innovation; and strengthening local and regional partnerships.
According to the Council, the strategy aligns with the UK’s Industrial Strategy and is intended to help create a productive, inclusive, and resilient economy for Buckinghamshire.