ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEWS: Full speed ahead

The industry-led board of a UK motorsport cluster met last week for the first time. Regional development agencies for the East of England, South-East, East Midlands and West Midlands are part of the Motorsport Valley initiative, which aims to create stronger links between motorsport companies and technology firms. A national motorsport academy is planned, as is a centre of excellence for motorsport engineering in the East Midlands, home to the Rockingham Motor Speedway. The industry employs more than 40,000 people and has a UK annual turnover of £5 billion. Visit www.motorsportvalley.com.