Chancellor visits city for first Team Derby meeting

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves has visited the city for the first meeting of Team Derby – a new partnership backed by £10 million of government investment to support the city’s growth.

Team Derby brings together local leaders, major businesses, academics and government partners to ensure major investment in the city delivers for local people.

And last week, the Chancellor came to Derby for its first meeting, which was held at Derby Museums’ Museum of Making.

The partnership will focus on turning Derby’s strengths in rail, aerospace, nuclear, advanced manufacturing and clean energy into good jobs, better skills opportunities, stronger high streets and visible improvements across the city.

The Chancellor’s attendance underlined the Government’s backing for Team Derby and its ambition to make the city a leading centre for innovation, industry and inclusive growth.

Ms Reeves said: “Team Derby will drive growth, jobs and regeneration in this great city. That’s why we have backed it with £10 million of investment, and I was delighted to attend the first meeting to show my continued support.

“Regional growth is central to Labour’s economic plan, and we have real strengths here, from transport to defence and clean energy.”

Team Derby aims to position Derby as a leading UK city for innovation and industry collaboration, particularly across the defence, clean energy and rail sectors.

The initiative will support local people into skilled jobs, strengthen supply chains and ensure investment benefits communities across the city.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “Team Derby is exactly the kind of partnership we need to drive inclusive growth across our region, ensuring investment reaches every community and creates real opportunity for local people.

“By bringing together employers, educators and government, we can strengthen skills development, support lifelong learning and help residents access the high-quality jobs being created in our key industries.

“With government backing and strong local leadership, Team Derby will unlock potential, boost productivity and ensure growth is shared fairly, so everyone can thrive now and in the future.”

The meeting was also attended by Derby South MP Baggy Shanker, Councillor Nadine Peatfield, leader of Derby City Council and the council’s interim chief executive Sam Dennis.

Senior representatives from key organisations were also present, including the University of Derby, Rolls-Royce, Alstom and Toyota Manufacturing UK, alongside Marketing Derby, Community Action Derby, Homes England and the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Councillor Peatfield said: “Derby’s strength has always been in getting the job done without making a fuss. Our reputation is built on delivering results without looking for the limelight.

“We have long known Derby’s potential and it’s great that the Government is fully backing that vision.

“This £10 million investment and the Chancellor’s support means we can move from planning to delivery at a much larger scale.

“By bringing together our businesses, partners and the Government, we are making sure that growth leads to real jobs and skills for local people.

“We’ve been working hard behind the scenes, and our foundations are in place. So, it’s now time to unlock our full potential and start showing what Derby can achieve.”

Discussions focused on four priority areas: business growth and investment; transport and connectivity; placemaking, infrastructure and development; and education, employment and skills.

Members also highlighted major opportunities for the city, including regeneration of the city centre, new housing, and the establishment of Great British Railways’ headquarters in Derby.

Infinity Park – part of the East Midlands Investment Zone – was identified as a key site for advanced manufacturing and logistics growth.

Outcomes from the meeting will shape the next phase of Team Derby’s work, as partners seek to secure further government support and accelerate delivery of key projects across the city.