Local MP Jo Churchill and Chief Secretary to the Treasury and MP for South West Norfolk, Elizabeth Truss visited West Suffolk College in Bury St Edmunds on Friday 20th July to make clear their support for the college’s bid for Institute of Technology status.
Including Suffolk New College, Easton and Otley College and Lowestoft New College, an Institute of Technology at West Suffolk College in Bury St Edmunds would co-ordinate, with key businesses and the New Anglia LEP, a region-wide network of skills, opportunities and growth by developing a future regional workforce in highly technical and aspirational careers.
The bid for a slice of £170 million to form the Eastern Institute of Technology (EIoT) highlights the burgeoning enterprise and innovation scene spanning the north, south, east and west of East Anglia in science, engineering and technology.
The visit from MPs Jo Churchill and Elizabeth Truss MP join a series of supportive measures from MPs across the region, including a ten strong joint letter in favour of the Eastern Institute of Technology, written to the Secretary of State for Education in December 2017.
Commenting, Jo Churchill MP said: “The enormous potential of an Institute of Technology, based at the centre of the Eastern region, to deliver high quality, valued jobs driving our dynamic regional economy, is essential. It is a unique bid drawing business and education together to deliver more.
I firmly believe in showcasing the talents of our region and this proposal, with West Suffolk College at the heart of it, is key to unlocking aspirations, skills and economic vitality of our whole region.”
Elizabeth Truss MP said: “I was delighted to visit West Suffolk College to hear more about their innovative bid for the Eastern Institute of Technology.
Bringing business and education together to drive forward the skills needed in East Anglia, an incredibly dynamic and enterprising region, is fantastic and I am delighted to work with Jo Churchill, fellow MPs and the college in ensuring the bid is successful.”
Dr Nikos Savvas, Principal of West Suffolk College, said: “It is fantastic to have the support of two visionary MPs on this significantly important project. I would like to thank them both for their support and commitment.
“We are very excited about these plans and how they play a crucial part in developing the skills required to further boost thriving industries across the region.”