Business leaders welcome region’s 10-year growth plan

Business leaders have welcomed a new long-term plan for the region, which could see better jobs, more affordable homes and stronger, fairer communities created.

Last week, East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward launched the East Midlands Combined County Authority the East Midlands Growth Plan 2025-2035, which sets out a long-term vision to deliver fast, fair growth for all, ensuring every community and resident across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire benefits from economic progress.

According to EMCCA, the plan will add £13 billion to the regional economy and support 60,000 more people into work over the next decade.

It also sets ambitious goals to deliver more than 100,000 homes, 210,000 new qualifications, and invest more than £2 billion in new transport infrastructure to better connect people to jobs and opportunity.

Chair of EMCCA’s business advisory board, David Williams, who is also chair of law firm Geldards, said: “This is an exciting plan with a bold ambition to place the East Midlands at the very forefront of the UK economy, especially in key, growing sectors such as clean energy, medical technology and advanced manufacturing.”

Scott Knowles, chief executive at East Midlands Chamber, said: “Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire and the wider East Midlands play a huge role in driving the UK economy, boasting world class firms and outstanding talent and innovation.

“Investment into skills, green energy and business support are essential for all three counties to thrive going forward into the future, so I welcome the plans that have been outlined by Mayor Claire Ward.”

At the heart of the 10-year plan is a commitment to inclusive growth, ensuring the proceeds of economic success are shared fairly, with investment directed where it will have the greatest impact on people’s lives.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “For the first time, we have a growth plan that is backed by the region and puts us in pole position to succeed.

“This plan is about unlocking growth while tackling inequality, creating better jobs, fairer pay, and new opportunities in every community.

“By working with business, government, and local partners, we can build a stronger, more inclusive economy that delivers for everyone.

“The East Midlands has the people, the ideas and the determination to drive Britain’s growth.

“We must now turn our potential into prosperity, creating the right conditions for business to thrive and local people to succeed.”

The plan identifies key sectors which will power future growth, including clean energy, MedTech and life sciences, advanced manufacturing, digital industries and the visitor economy.

It also outlines major place-based projects such as the Trent Arc and Supercluster, which together could deliver £3.3 billion in economic value and create more than 55,000 high-quality jobs.

The plan was launched at Derby Museums’ Museum of Making, where business leaders and civic partners were invited to pledge their support to “drive inclusive growth that benefits every person and place across the East Midlands”.