Investing in Chelmsford’s future

Businesses from Chelmsford and further afield are being encouraged to invest in Chelmsford, because it is a great place to live and work. The City Council recently welcomed businesses to an event to discuss what the future of Chelmsford might look like. A panel of people passionate about the city held a lively conversation about how it can be grown in a sustainable way. 

Held at the Anglia Ruskin University, the event was an opportunity for attendees to discuss shaping Chelmsford’s future. A key narrative was how to develop Chelmsford in a way that meets both the needs of the workforce today and in the future. 

A young city 

Chelmsford City Council’s Economic Development team organised the event to showcase the great things Chelmsford has to offer, with a recurring theme that “when we come together, everything is possible”. As one of the UK’s youngest cities, Chelmsford is already home to over 9,000 businesses and has the potential to become home to many more.

Councillor Stephen Robinson, Leader of Chelmsford City Council, spoke to the audience about why Chelmsford is full of opportunity: 

“

"Around 1000 new homes a year are being built in Chelmsford and the City Council is keen to ensure that a similar number of jobs are created. That is all part of creating a sustainable city – where people can live near where they work.

“That’s why we were keen to host an event to say that Chelmsford is ‘open for business’. We are working with our universities and colleges to create the skilled workforce for the future and are letting businesses know that their future staff are here."

Cllr Stephen Robinson, Leader of Chelmsford City Council

Opportunities for future growth 

Chelmsford’s Local Plan sets out where new homes can, and are, being built. With residential growth also comes commercial opportunity. There are existing properties in the city that have scope for redevelopment. Booklets and further information about investing in Chelmsford are available at www.chelmsford.gov.uk/invest. 

The panel discussion 

The expert panel at the event included: 

• Nick Eveleigh, Chief Executive, Chelmsford City Council 
• Cllr Marie Goldman, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Connected Chelmsford, Chelmsford City Council 
• Dr Alison Hirst, Associate Professor of Organisation Studies, Anglia Ruskin University 
• Dr Minna Lammi, Associate Professor in Sustainable Enterprise, Anglia Ruskin University 
• Cllr Stephen Robinson, Leader, Chelmsford City Council 
• Andrew Taylor, Group Planning Director, Countryside.  

Watch the panel discussion: 

2023 will see more networking events take place, keeping the theme of Chelmsford’s future as a prevalent discussion topic among businesses and like-minded individuals.