Issue 1: Ambition (April 2018) is free to download by clicking the link here:

The Plymouth White Papers are collection of essays written by men and five women from Plymouth’s business, science, politics, education and culture sectors on issues ranging from youth politics, the environment, urban regeneration, connectivity and women in politics. They’re short essays designed to challenge thinking. The first set of essays is about “ambition” for Plymouth and relates to how we can address the poor deal we get as a city, be bolder about our future and clearer about the areas where we need to improve.

10 top takeaways from Issue 1:

1. Luke Pollard MP says Plymouth must be “louder and prouder about its world-class sectors and must be bolder and more ambitious about its future”.
2. Mark Hopwood, MD of Great Western Rail says faster and more regular services locally and to London would boost Plymouth’s economy.
3. Mayflower 400 celebrations could be springboard for Plymouth’s cultural assets says Tom Nicholas, Co-Producer of Plymouth Fringe Festival.
4. Ebrington, Malborough and Union Street are Britain’s San Francisco without the jet lag says community activist Josh Puleston.
5. Alizeh Rahman, former Member of the Youth Parliament for Plymouth, sets out calls for greater support for youth and mental health services in the city.
6. Plymouth has been too quiet about its record of climate leadership -; our excellence as a green city has been “lost in transit” says Dr Jackie Young, local green consultant.
7. Lorna Dallas, Chair of Women in STEM Plymouth says city should only host conferences with both male and female speakers and remove “boys” and “girls” sections from shopping centre.
8. Alison Raynsford, Former Plymouth MP, says too many women in Plymouth are being exploited and progress towards gender parity is too slow.
9. Phil Davies, City College Plymouth Chief Exec raises concerns chronic underinvestment in post-16 students is adversely affecting social mobility.
10. Sustainability must be at the core of Plymouth businesses to fix low wages and youth unemployment says Dean of Employability at Plymouth Business School, Hilary Duckett

The second issue of the Plymouth White Papers will be announced soon.