Bondholders share thoughts on creating a fairer future

A number of Marketing Derby Bondholders have recently come together to share their thoughts on how to create a fairer, stronger future for Derby and the wider East Midlands.

They were among hundreds of local people to attend a series of Summer Engagement Events organised by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).

The Derby event, held last month, took place at the University of Derby’s Enterprise Centre and saw attendees answer the question: “What’s the one thing you’d change to make the East Midlands stronger?”.

It was led by Mayor of the East Midlands Claire Ward, who was joined by members of the East Midlands Inclusive Growth Commission, including Gillian Sewell, chief executive of YMCA Derbyshire.

Speaking at the Derby event, Gillian said: “The Inclusive Growth Commission is bringing together local leaders, experts and communities to build a stronger, fairer East Midlands where people can thrive and no place is left behind.

“It’s so courageous to put the word inclusive in front of growth – as it sets out that inclusivity is exceptionally important to the Mayor.

“None of us are members of the audience in this, we are all players in the game.

“We need to work actively and collectively to change our common purpose.”

The Inclusive Growth Commission is working to ensure that the region’s £4 billion investment plan unlocks opportunities for all by connecting economic growth with social equity, health and skills.

The voices and ideas gathered at the engagement events will now directly feed into the commission’s final report, which is set to be launched in September.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “Growth for growth’s sake isn’t good enough for me. I want to grow the East Midlands in a way that supports those who need it most, drawing on the talents of people from across the region.

“The energy and ideas we’ve seen at these events have been incredible.

“People from many walks of life shared their hopes, their challenges and their ambitions – not just for themselves, but for their neighbours, their communities and for future generations.

“We will shape the future of the region together, and I will use my power as mayor to drive forward those priorities.”

Robin Johnson, press and PR executive at Marketing Derby, who attended the Derby engagement event, said: “It was great to be part of the conversation and see so many Bondholders represented in the room.

“This was an important discussion for Derby as it looks to address the inequalities that exist in the city and the lack of social mobility.

“We are particularly pleased to see the emphasis being placed upon the importance of links between regional and local plans with inclusive growth.

“Here at Marketing Derby, we’ve always believed inward investment is not an end itself. It can be a tool for social mobility.”