Unemployment in the East Midlands has fallen slightly to 4.7% for over-16s, according to the latest Office for National Statistics figures covering May to July 2025. This follows a decline from 5% to 4.8% in April to June, marking a gradual downward trend.

Despite the decrease, businesses in the region continue to face staffing pressures. Recruitment activity has slowed, with only half of local companies attempting to hire and six in ten reporting difficulties securing suitable candidates. Rising staff costs, including higher National Insurance contributions and increases to the national living wage, have compounded challenges alongside ongoing inflationary pressures.

Companies are also preparing for changes under the Employment Rights Bill, which is expected to introduce additional administrative and compliance obligations. Industry representatives have called for amendments to limit the financial and operational impact on firms.

Expectations of potential tax increases in the upcoming Autumn Budget further complicate economic conditions. Business groups stress that without supportive measures, the combination of staffing shortages, higher costs, and new legislative requirements could strain regional employers.

The volunteer-led social enterprise offers local businesses a unique opportunity to unlock growth with the help of ideas from selected panels of seasoned business leaders.

Each month, SoundingBoard convenes a panel of experts to meet in Loughborough for an intensive 2-hour session focussed purely on the unique situation of one invited business.

Guest businesses use the sessions to get ideas and introductions which help them capitalise on opportunities and address barriers to growth. The confidential sessions provide tailored, high-level discussion, and practical ideas which help to drive local economic development.

A manufacturing consultancy that received SoundingBoards support said: “SoundingBoard gave us new avenues to explore and a renewed impetus to stretch ourselves and grow as a business. It was a highly valuable session.”

SoundingBoard director Scott Charlish said: “We estimate that it would cost around £2,000 to access two hours of our panel’s time on the commercial market – if indeed it were possible to buy such a service on the commercial market.

“Our aim is to focus our panellists hundreds of years of combined experience and networking on generating ideas and network introductions for local entrepreneurs – all at no cost to them.”

Initially launched in 2021 – then named nCourage – the panel has since met with dozens of East Midlands SMEs, social entrepreneurs, and charities. It was incorporated as a Community Interest Company (CIC) in 2024.

The CIC began trading as SoundingBoard in Spring 2025, when a UKSPF grant from Charnwood Borough Council enabled it to rebrand and launch an automated website.

The website is now being used to accelerate SoundingBoard’s impact by providing an automated channel for prospective guests and panellists to register their interest.

Councillor Jenni Tillotson, lead for economic development, said: “Charnwood Borough Council’s Economic Development Strategy strengthens our local economy by prioritising our business environment, people and skills, and innovation.

“SoundingBoard itself supports those three priorities, but also helps other local nonprofits and SMEs to grow too.

“It’s a unique community-led solution to overcoming business growth barriers, which is why we wanted to help accelerate its development through UKSPF.”

Since its pilot in 2021 and incorporation as a Community Interest Company in 2024, SoundingBoard has already met with more than 20 local businesses.

Guests have ranged from tech firms to manufacturers, charities to university spinouts.

A Leicestershire creative business owner described who attended a previous panel said: “This is a rare opportunity for a business owner or entrepreneur to take a good look at their business and aspirations with professionals who can help give you a better perspective.”

Northamptonshire Adult Learning Service (NALS) has launched two new learning centres in Northampton and Towcester, increasing access to adult education across the county.

The centres are funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and managed locally by West Northamptonshire Council. They feature purpose-built classrooms and resources designed to support learners of all ages and backgrounds.

The new facilities allow NALS to run a wider variety of courses at more flexible times while continuing to operate in community venues across the county. Course offerings include core skills in English and Maths, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), digital skills, health and wellbeing, and professional development.

Many courses are available free of charge to local residents. The centres aim to provide practical opportunities for skills development, career advancement, and personal growth, while supporting wider community engagement and lifelong learning.

NALS is currently enrolling learners at both sites, with immediate availability across multiple courses designed to meet individual and professional development needs.

Consultiv Utilities has partnered with the Leicestershire and Rutland FA to provide energy consultancy to clubs across the region. The deal covers three competitions: the Under-7s 3v3 programme, the senior Challenge County Cup, and the Walking Football league.

Clubs involved will gain access to consultancy on energy contracts, cost management, and sustainability initiatives. Options include solar panel installations, battery storage, EV charging infrastructure, LED lighting, and waste management improvements. The programme also introduces revenue opportunities through sports vouchers and referral schemes.

The Under-7s 3v3 format focuses on fast-paced skill development for young players, while the County Cup supports semi-professional and grassroots football. Walking Football engages over 400 participants in age- and gender-specific divisions, promoting inclusivity across the community.

Consultiv Utilities brings experience with sports organisations and membership bodies, helping clubs optimise energy use, lower overheads, and implement efficiency upgrades. The partnership targets financial resilience and operational sustainability for football clubs in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire will receive a new framework aimed at boosting economic and social outcomes across the East Midlands. The Inclusive Growth Commission, established by the East Midlands Combined County Authority and local council leaders in November 2024, has delivered the UK’s first regional model focused on inclusive growth. The RSA was appointed to lead the Commission.

The plan outlines strategies across skills, health, housing and transport to support access to well-paid jobs, career progression and stronger community networks. Central to the report is the “Opportunity Escalator,” a framework designed to remove barriers and provide clear pathways for individuals to progress in work and life.

Economic projections indicate the region could attract £200 billion in investment by 2035. Targeting 18 emerging industrial sites could increase earnings for 30,000 low-paid workers by an average of £6,700 annually. Improved social networks could add £1.4 billion in household income for the poorest communities over the next decade, while reducing work-related health problems could save up to £10 billion annually.

The Commission recommends ensuring all young people have access to career guidance, work experience and wellbeing support, alongside adult retraining for high-demand sectors such as green energy and digital skills. Strengthening community engagement through local enterprises and public hubs is highlighted, together with promoting fair workplaces and attracting investment to deliver economic growth alongside social and environmental benefits.

The framework positions the East Midlands as a model for scalable, people-centred growth and provides local authorities and businesses with actionable steps to align workforce development, infrastructure and investment strategies.

UK and US companies have signed a series of agreements to accelerate the development of nuclear power, supporting private investment and creating thousands of jobs across the two countries. The deals follow a government-level agreement designed to reduce licensing times for new nuclear projects from three to four years down to around two, enabling faster project delivery.

In the UK, the agreements are expected to expand the nuclear sector, which added 11,000 jobs this year. Projects include plans for up to 12 advanced modular reactors in Hartlepool, potentially generating enough electricity for 1.5 million homes and creating up to 2,500 local jobs, with wider UK programmes targeting a fleet producing 6GW of power. Total economic value for the North East is estimated at £12 billion, with the overall programme projected at £40 billion.

Other initiatives include the development of advanced data centres powered by small modular reactors at the former Cottam coal-fired station in Nottinghamshire, supported by Holtec, EDF, and Tritax, representing an £11 billion investment and creating both construction and long-term operational roles. Last Energy and DP World plan a micro modular reactor to provide clean power for the London Gateway port, backed by £80 million in private funding.

Fuel and technology agreements include Urenco and Radiant supplying advanced HALEU fuel to the US, while TerraPower and KBR will evaluate UK sites for Natrium reactors, each supporting roughly 1,600 construction jobs and 250 permanent positions.

The agreements form part of the UK government’s wider strategy to expand homegrown nuclear energy, including the Sizewell C development, small modular reactor programmes, and investments in fusion energy.