London Borough of Sutton recognised with local government finance award for its work on The London Cancer Hub

Established by Room 151, an online news, opinion and resource service for local authority finance officers, in conjunction with CCLA, one of the UK's largest charity fund managers, the awards showcase the best of UK local government finance teams and their efforts to serve communities and the environment.

The London Borough of Sutton beat off stiff competition from other nominees Glasgow City Council and Newark and Sherwood District Council to win the Innovation and Partnerships Award, which seeks to recognise financial innovation and joint working with other public and private sector organisations for better outcomes. 

The Council’s Finance Team was nominated for the award based on the impact it has had, working in partnership with the Institute of Cancer Research, as well as The Royal Marsden and the Epsom & St Helier University Hospitals Trust, in moving forward ambitious plans to establish The London Cancer Hub as the world’s leading life-science district specialising in cancer research, treatment, education and enterprise.

Employing innovative ideas and a can-do attitude to overcoming obstacles to progress, including successfully securing funds of £8.38m from the London Business Rates Strategic Investment Pot, the Finance Team has enabled the Council to re-think its strategic approach. pump-prime the first phase of development and activate market interest among investors and future occupiers in The London Cancer Hub.

The Institute of Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden in Sutton already form one of the leading cancer research and treatment centres in the world, but the vision is to create a global centre of excellence that will support 10,000 high-quality jobs, improve productivity in the sub-region and contribute £1.2bn per year to the UK economy. 

Explaining its decision to give the London Borough of Sutton the award, the judges said: “There’s a strong vision here, making the Hub a centre of national and, indeed, international excellence. And it’s all tied together through a close partnership with benefits tracking right back to the local community as well as nationally. A deserved winner.”

Cllr Sunita Gordon, Lead Member for Resources at Sutton Council, said:

 “I’m delighted that the impact of our work at the London Cancer Hub has been recognised with this award. With our innovative approach we have been able to successfully drive forward the next stage of development, with direct delivery of the innovation Gateway, which will open later this year and support a range of exciting cutting-edge companies.

The London Cancer Hub will be a game-changer for Sutton, bringing jobs and vitality to the borough and cementing our reputation as the home of a world-leading centre of scientific discovery.”