Leicestershire Business Voice (LBV), the business advocacy group for Leicester and Leicestershire, has brought together senior business, civic and political leaders to back a positive, long-term devolution settlement for the region.
Momentum has grown following a major devolution summit held by LBV and East Midlands Chamber at MIRA Technology Park in September 2025, where city, county, district and borough leaders joined enterprise zone representatives, business leaders and universities to debate the future of regional governance.
Following the devolution event, LBV has developed a comprehensive white paper highlighting the impacts of a possible devolution deal for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. The paper focuses on the critical decisions around devolved powers over transport, skills, infrastructure, housing and net-zero investment, and how a positive outcome could enable the region to benefit from mayoral governance and dedicated funding streams.
The white paper will form the cornerstone of a lobbying campaign with the UK government, local MPS, the local and regional business community, and more to affirm support and accelerate a mayoral devolution settlement for the region.
The white paper is co-signed by the East Midlands Chamber, Leicestershire County Council, the Borough and District Councils of Leicestershire, Confederation of British Industry (CBI), Institute of Directors (IoD), Loughborough University, De Montfort University, University of Leicester, MIRA Technology Park, Space Park Leicester, Charnwood Campus and Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Partnership.
Sue Tilley, chair of Leicestershire Business Voice, said: “Devolution is a critical opportunity to strengthen Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland’s economic future.
“We support a deal that secures fair investment for our region, ensures a strong voice for local businesses in decision-making, and accelerates delivery on priorities such as skills, infrastructure, innovation and inclusive growth.
“LBV is committed to working with political leaders, partners and businesses of all sizes to shape a devolution settlement that is locally driven, commercially aware and focused on long-term prosperity for our communities.”
Scott Knowles, chief executive of East Midlands Chamber, added: “Devolution is vital for ensuring Leicester and Leicestershire remain competitive with neighbouring areas that already benefit from mayoral powers.
“Alongside this, strong business support and the ability to make decisions at a regional level are essential if we are to compete, not only across the UK but also internationally. With the right tools and powers, our region can attract greater inward investment, create jobs and unlock long-term growth opportunities.”
