Representation by VolkerFitzpatrick Ltd (VolkerFitzpatrick Ltd)
- Date submitted
- 2 June 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
We write in support of the above-named application for the following reasons: 1. Economic growth and local employment We are a local contractor who have partnered with London Luton Airport to deliver the new Luton Direct Air-Rail Transit (DART) passenger transit system, this was a key project for our business and contributed significantly to both our economic growth and local employment and skills development. Future opportunities, such as the investment in ‘Luton Rising’, will not only support the economic returns* that infrastructure spend brings, but it will also provide continuity of work opportunities for a highly experienced and qualified local workforce, retaining valuable skills in the local community. * Every £1 spent on construction creates £2.92 of value to the UK economy. Reference - CBI and Oxford Economics, 2020 2. Training and apprenticeships As direct result of the Luton DART project, we were able to make important contributions to the immediate local area. We collaborated with the other delivery partners, Luton Council, and London Luton Airport to create a CITB Construction Skills Hub. This hub provided training to over 720 local people, enabling them to take their CSCS tests. More than 300 of the attendees were from traditionally under-represented groups and as part of the programme, 80 permanent new jobs were created on the DART for local apprentices, graduates, and other new entrants. 3. Significant local spend Whilst delivering the Luton DART, we consistently invested in the local supply chain. This resulted in a local spend of over £30m with SMEs within the local area and considerable social value generation. Furthermore, we actively supported local causes such as providing Luton Foodbank donations and one-to-one guidance sessions with Luton Youth Offending and Jobcentre Plus service users. We championed a wide range of local initiatives, sponsoring Luton Excellence Awards, Luton & Bedfordshire Community Awards, Luton and Bedfordshire Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Awards, and Love Luton memberships. Therefore, not only has our business directly benefitted from London Luton Airport, it has also enabled us to invest in the people and SMEs local to the airport. If the Luton Rising development were to go ahead, we would aim to once again partner with the airport and ensure a positive legacy to the local communities.