New data shows that tourism in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire enjoyed a record spend in 2022 as the value of the local visitor economy smashed through the £2 billion mark, demonstrating remarkable growth and resilience following the pandemic, despite a tough economic backdrop. The report, formulated by Global Tourism Solutions using its STEAM (Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor) model, was commissioned as a joint project by Visit Nottinghamshire, Nottinghamshire County, Nottingham City, Mansfield, and Newark and Sherwood councils. Adjusted for inflation, the economic impact of the visitor economy is significant, contributing £2.051 billion to the region and supporting over 20,500 jobs. The value of the visitor economy grew by 15.6% compared to 2021, indicating a strong recovery from the COVID-19 period, and was up by £72m (3.6%) compared to 2019. Visitor numbers have also continued strong growth from the year 2021, growing from around 28.87m to 32.97m (14.2%). Annette Thornley, Business Development Manager at Visit Nottinghamshire, said: “The positive trends revealed by the STEAM Data are a testament to the industry’s resilience and adaptability in the face of challenging economic conditions. “We have a fantastic tourism offering in the city and county and we look forward to continuing to welcome visitors new and old to the region.” Laura Simpson, Visitor Economy Manager for Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “A new era is dawning for the visitor economy across the city and the county. We have begun a journey of working together to collect and analyse the data we need in order to inform our current and future planning. “Our Nottinghamshire spirit has shown we can recover from the most challenging of circumstances. It is fundamental that we continue to build a Visitor Economy that is resilient, sustainable and agile enough to be able to respond to any future opportunities and challenges that may arise from changing market demands.” Councillor Paul Peacock, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, added: “Nottinghamshire has so much to offer and this data proves just that. Here in Newark and Sherwood we have a wealth of history and culture as well as a wide ranging shopping for visitors to choose from. “Whether you’re visiting the legendary Major Oak in Sherwood Forest, getting a bite to eat in one of the amazing independent eateries in Southwell or stepping back in history by visiting Newark Castle and the National Civil War Centre, the district has something for everyone. “We’ve played an important part in supporting our visitor economy across the district, such as supporting businesses to apply for funding, providing valuable business training for traders and organising an exciting family focused marketing campaign called ‘Happy Families’ to encourage shoppers to visit our independent stores across the district. “Work to unlock the full potential of Newark Castle and our Newark Cultural Heart programme, part of the Towns Fund Deal, will look at boosting the town centre offering of Newark even further. We’re also looking to secure more funding for areas in Sherwood to improve the visitor offer there too.” Executive Mayor of Mansfield Andy Abrahams said: “These figures are encouraging and support our aim to encourage more people to visit this district and grow our local economy as part of our Destination Mansfield agenda. “This year has been the best yet for events in the district including our first Caribbean carnival, the first Mansfield Film Festival, along with the increasingly popular learning disability Onefest, Armed Forces Day, Party in the Market and Summer Festival. “Our £3m investment to transform Berry Hill Park into a Destination Park will continue to put Mansfield on the map.” Cllr Steve Battlemuch, Portfolio Holder for Skills, Growth, Economic Development & Property at Nottingham City Council, said: “It’s very promising to see this strong data and continued growth for the tourism sector in the STEAM report. “Nottingham city plays a pivotal role in the region’s tourism and visitor economy offer, with thousands of hotel rooms, attractions such as Nottingham Castle and Wollaton Hall, a thriving entertainment hub and fantastic retail. “The city also has an award-winning public transport system, offering a gateway to the wider region. As a co-funder of Visit Nottinghamshire, Nottingham City Council looks forward to a continued collaboration with partners, which reaps benefits for the regional visitor economy.”

A new report published by Derby Museums has revealed the multi-million-pound contribution its Museum of Making makes to the city. According to the Social Return on Investment (SROI) report, the museum, which opened to the public in 2021, contributes almost £4 million a year to the local economy. The SROI report also highlights the significant social impact the museum has had on the city and the community. The report proposes that for every £1 invested in the operations of the museum, there is a social return of almost £6 lasting over the next five years. Tony Butler, executive director of Derby Museums, said: “From the outset, Derby Museums was galvanised by the public interest in Derby Silk Mill, perhaps the most recognisable building in the city. “This new report shows clear evidence of the significant impacts the Museum of Making project has had on Derby, its communities, visitors, participants, staff, volunteers, makers and artists, as well as Derby Museums itself, and the museum sector more widely.” The Museum of Making at Derby Silk Mill was created thanks to more than £18 million of grant funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England and D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership alongside support from Derby City Council, Rolls-Royce and a range of charitable trusts and foundations. It was designed and created by the people of Derby to tell the city’s 300-year history of making and innovation. According to the new report, the Museum of Making attracted more than 90,000 visitors in its first year of operation, and more than 122,000 during its last financial year. To date, more than 1,500 people have been involved in the museum’s development, alongside community and business partners who, together, have gained new skills and contributed more than 40,000 volunteer hours to the project. It also sustains a range of learning and community development programmes. And in terms of jobs, the museum has created the equivalent of more than 50 full-time jobs, as well as more than 150 jobs indirectly.

Homeless people moving into new accommodation in Nottingham are making a house a home with help from thousands of Tesco customers and staff at stores across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

Staff at Tesco stores in the area have been supporting Framework since 2021 and have now combined their fundraising efforts – raising more than £10,000 to fund fittings and equipment for new purpose-built flats for homeless people in the Forest Fields area of Nottingham.

Prior to moving in, each of the six residents was invited on a free shopping trip to choose clothing with a personal shopping assistant, and then to choose homeware (soft furnishings/decorations) with Tesco’s interior designer who attended specially to help them. For an extra personal touch, service users chose photos to be printed and framed.

On top of these fundraised items, the Tesco businesses have provided extra items such as clocks, towels, bathmats, lamp shades, kettles and toasters, and teams from local Tesco Express stores created a welcome hamper for each flat containing basic food items and toiletries.

Future residents of the new accommodation will also benefit from a Tesco move-in pack.

On 11 August representatives from the Tesco teams visited the new accommodation to meet the residents they have supported in furnishing their new homes. They joined the Sheriff of Nottingham and local ward councillor Shuguftah Quddoos who led a ceremony officially opening the accommodation.

The £950,000 capital cost of the premises has been funded by Framework and Homes England with support from The Wolfson Foundation, The Thomas Farr Charity and Southwell & District Lions Club. Residents receive support from Framework staff and are expected to stay for up to a year before moving to their own accommodation in the community.

Welcoming Tesco’s contribution, Framework’s corporate services director, Dave Newmarch said: “It is great to have this unique support from Tesco to enhance the quality of our accommodation – turning housing into homes.

“The UK is in the middle of a major housing crisis and these six new, purpose-built flats are part of Framework’s response. They are also part of our strategy to move away from unsatisfactory shared accommodation and provide everyone with self-contained facilities which create a better experience for tenants and improve their life chances. The generous support of Tesco stores, staff and customers help us achieve that.”

Darren Print, store manager at Tesco Extra, Toton said: “Stores across Nottingham and Derbyshire wanted to come together to support a single cause and the work of Framework really stood out to us.

“Through a series of fundraising activities and the hard work of colleagues and our generous customers we’ve been able to provide vital support for the great work Framework does. We’re incredibly proud to have helped and hope this will go some way towards making a difference to people’s lives.”

Sheriff of Nottingham and councillor for the local Berridge Ward, Shuguftah Quddoos said: “A place to live can only become a home when it has our own personal choices of furniture, pictures, crockery and decorations. I am delighted that this partnership recognises that a home is more than just four walls.

“I am hoping that this new community will be warmly welcomed by its neighbours in Forest Fields.”

Welcoming this unique initiative, Framework’s head of fundraising and communications, Claire Eden said: “Providing good quality accommodation for homeless people is a priority for Framework. Creating a home is equally important, and that is what Tesco’s initiative makes possible.

“Framework provides high-quality housing; the contribution of Tesco stores, staff and customers through a variety of fundraised and donated items, is to turn a house into a home.

“By providing self-contained accommodation with its own front door, Framework enables people to develop their independence more effectively, address issues they may face, and move on more easily.

“Tesco’s special contribution will go a long way to building the self-esteem and self-confidence which is vital to service users’ progression: many of the items in the flats have been chosen by the service users themselves to suit their personal tastes.

“This is a major development in our very valuable partnership with Tesco which has been in place since 2021. Thank you to all the Tesco staff and customers who have taken part in this massive fundraising effort. I hope everyone concerned will be pleased to see the difference their contribution is making to the lives of people in need.

“Due to financial pressures Framework is finding it increasingly difficult to provide these facilities without assistance. We hope that many individuals and organisations will follow the example of Tesco and other funders involved in this project and support our Building Better Futures campaign at www.frameworkha.org to provide 200 new homes for homeless people by 2026.”