Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, has met with key investors this week to highlight the region’s growing economic opportunities and showcase the East Midlands as a prime destination for investment.
During a series of one-to-one meetings and roundtable discussions at the Regional Investment Summit , mayor Claire and officials from the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) outlined the region’s ambitious growth plans, including a £2bn transport investment programme, a £160m Investment Zone, and the £38m annual East Midlands Investment Fund.
Mayor Claire said: “The East Midlands is a region ready to deliver. From advanced manufacturing and clean energy to digital innovation and the visitor economy, we have the assets, talent, and infrastructure to support long-term growth. These discussions with investors are about turning potential into real opportunities for our communities and businesses.”
The Mayor’s meetings also highlighted the region’s flagship projects, including Peak Cluster (one of the world’s largest carbon capture and storage projects, securing UK cement and lime industries and safeguarding thousands of jobs), Supercluster (anchored by the UK’s flagship STEP fusion prototype at West Burton, creating a globally significant clean energy and innovation hub), and Trent Arc (linking Derby, Nottingham, and East Midlands Parkway, delivering city centre regeneration, industrial hubs, and over 30,000 new homes).
Mayor Claire said: “These discussions are about improving lives across the East Midlands.
“Attracting new businesses, supporting the growth of local industries, and creating high-quality jobs will ensure that everyone in the East Midlands feels the benefit of economic growth. Investment into housing, skills, clean energy and infrastructure will make our region more connected, resilient, and prosperous.
“This will give people better opportunities to live, work, and build a future here.”
The Mayor will continue engaging with investors, ensuring that projects are aligned with the region’s East Midlands Growth Plan, which aims to strengthen communities across the East Midlands and deliver 60,000+ more people in work, 210,000 more people with skilled qualifications, 100,000+ homes built, £13bn added to the economy, £2bn+ investment in transport infrastructure, and 1GW additional clean community energy generation.
