Peterborough has been named Smart City of the Year 2015 at a glittering awards ceremony in Barcelona this week, attended by business delegates, entrepreneurs and city representatives from around the world.

The World Smart City Congress is the key annual event for smart cities organised by Fira de Barcelona.  The awards were presented on 18^th November at a ceremony attended by representatives of the cities and companies shortlisted in four categories, including Smart City of the Year. The Barcelona-based congress worked with 7 international experts to evaluate 265 entries from 52 countries.

Shortlisted cities in the Smart City of the Year 2015 included Moscow and Dubai, but judges were impressed with Peterborough’s commitment to becoming the UK’s first circular city and its environment capital vision. Peterborough’s collaborative approach to citizen involvement, also convinced the awards jury that Peterborough should win the award.

Delivered by economic development company, Opportunity Peterborough, and Peterborough City Council, the Peterborough DNA Smart City programme focuses on growth, innovation, skills and sustainability with the goal of making Peterborough a better place to invest, work and live.

Steve Bowyer, Chief Executive of Opportunity Peterborough and Director of the Peterborough DNA programme, said: “This award puts Peterborough well and truly on the international stage and positions us as a thought leader in smart and future city thinking. This is a huge tribute to all the people involved in the project and to the businesses and citizens of Peterborough”.

Councillor John Holdich, Leader of Peterborough City Council, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved and for the city of Peterborough.

“The city is full of innovative SMEs and the Peterborough DNA Smart City programme supports and encourages them to work together to take advantage of new technologies and new thinking to drive growth, sustainability and prosperity.”

To find out more about Peterborough’s future cities work, please visit www.peterboroughdna.com