My newly launched Growth Plan aims to drive regeneration, attract investment and create more jobs for everyone who lives and works in Croydon. A key part of this is working with local employers, education providers and other partners, to create opportunities for young people and adults to upskill and access quality jobs, both now and in the future.

This week, I met with Stewart Wingate, CEO of London Gatwick, to share our Growth Plan and get an update on the Northern Runway Project. The airport is already providing opportunities for Croydon’s young people – from school visits to graduate and apprenticeship programmes – and the growth of the airport promises to create more jobs and boost our local economy.

I was also delighted to be part of the launch of the BIG Ambition: South London Growth Plan, which sets out Croydon’s shared commitment with Kingston, Merton, Richmond and Sutton boroughs to deliver long-term, locally driven growth. Together, we will work with local businesses and universities and deliver more high-quality jobs, especially in growing sectors such as life sciences, digital and creative industries. Find out more.

Carving careers in gaming

It was great to see the creativity of students at Croydon College’s end of year exhibition from its School of Art, called ‘Illuminate’. The College has a long artistic history and is moving boldly into the future of the gaming industry, with its new esports BTEC starting in September. This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking skills offer that supports our borough’s wider Growth Plan and gives young people routes into careers. The exhibition is at Croydon School of Art until 25 June and is open to the public.

Celebrating the Windrush generation

Sunday is national Windrush Day, when we celebrate and honour the contributions of African-Caribbean communities who made the UK their home in post-war Britain. Today I joined members of Croydon’s Windrush Generation Legacy Association (WGLA), Croydon BME Forum, London South Bank University, Croydon Health Services, and the Council’s Race Equality Network, for an event and flag raising at the Town Hall. Performances of music and storytelling gave us time to reflect, celebrate and learn more about this important part of Croydon’s history. Thank you to all our partners, residents and our staff for creating a memorable community event.

Finally, congratulations to Year 11 pupils at Bensham Manor School who had their graduation ceremony this week. It was great to see students with special educational needs growing into such confident young people. I wish all of Croydon’s students finishing their exams this coming week a very well-deserved summer break.

Have a good weekend.

Jason Perry

Executive Mayor of Croydon