New £25m investment fund to power growth across region

The East Midlands Combined County Authority has announced the opening of a £25 million fund to support projects that will drive growth, create jobs and improve lives across the region.

The announcement of the Autumn 2025 Investment Fund was made at EMCCA’s Investment Committee meeting last month.

The fund will back strategic, deliverable projects that align with the region’s ambition to build a fairer, greener and more prosperous East Midlands.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “This is a major milestone for the East Midlands.

“By launching this £25 million fund, we are backing the brilliant ideas that deliver real results for local people.”

This funding round follows the EMCCA Board’s approval in September of a new “twin-tracked” investment approach – supporting both short-term deliverable projects and longer-term strategic programmes that can make a lasting difference.

About 75 project proposals were received though the expression of interest call, representing about £160 million of investment opportunities.

A shortlist of projects will now be invited to bring forward full businesses to secure investment.

Mayor Claire said: “We want to see bold, practical projects that will shape the future of our places and our people. This is about supporting businesses to grow, improving skills, and investing in the places we’re proud to call home.”

Alongside this funding round, EMCCA is evolving its investment approach.

Future funding rounds will move towards a thematic, place-based approach.

EMCCA will work closely with public and private partners to develop project portfolios that focus on shared priorities rather than traditional open competitions.

Potential focus areas include town centre and place renewal, strategic employment and innovation sites, skills and training infrastructure, culture, heritage, sport and rural development.

This new funding announcement builds on the progress that EMCCA is already making in the region.

The combined country authority is delivering significant capital investment projects to support the East Midlands Growth Plan.

Successes include the South Derbyshire Growth Zone and delivering the Infinity Prototyping Centre, a new innovation, research and development space, at Infinity Park Derby, which has Investment Zone status.