The region that gave birth to the first industrial revolution will set out a roadmap to invest billions of pounds in a new future which grows prosperity for all its people and places.
The Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward – is launching a high-powered Inclusive Growth Commission which will identify how the region can harness major opportunities and tackle its challenges over the next decade and beyond.
Its work will guide how the East Midlands Combined County Authority invests a £4 billion funding pot to help drive a thriving economy across Derby and Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
Mayor Claire and council leaders across the region have appointed the RSA (Royal Society of Arts), which is renowned for its work in helping places join the dots between economic opportunities and people’s needs, to run the Commission.
It will be chaired by the RSA’s Chief Executive, Andy Haldane – the former Chief Economist of the Bank of England – who will be joined by a team of national and regional experts including Sir John Peace, Chairman of the Midlands Engine and one of the founders of the Nottingham-based global business, Experian, and Gillian Sewell, the CEO of YMCA Derbyshire.
They will spend the coming few months talking to communities, businesses, councils and major regional institutions to find out what people think about the region and its potential.
The Inclusive Growth Commission will release an initial report next Spring, which sets out the current picture in the East Midlands, and a final report next Autumn. This will outline how investments could grow the economy in a way which tackles challenges and connects people and places to new opportunities.
Mayor Claire said: “Inclusive growth means creating opportunities for all — good jobs, quality education, and thriving local economies that work for every single resident. It’s about ensuring no one is left behind as we build a prosperous, sustainable future.
“Whether you live in one of our vibrant cities or a rural town or village, this will make a real difference to how we lift our region.
“I’m proud to have put together this ambitious commission, and together, we will make the East Midlands the best place to live, work, and learn.”
Andy Haldane said: “I am excited to be chairing this new commission which has the potential to unlock tens of millions in growth across this dynamic region. By taking a fresh look at the many opportunities underpinning the East Midlands economy, we will seek to supercharge the region, bolster job opportunities, and make progress towards net zero.
“At the RSA, our Design for Life mission draws on the ingenuity and interconnectedness of communities and local leaders around the country- not least through our Prosperous Places work. I look forward to seeing that come to life in the year ahead”.
Sir John Peace said: “I know from my own experience that the East Midlands is a place that can lead the world. It is brimming with inventive spirit, and has a long tradition of taking new ideas and turning them into innovations that change people’s lives.
“But we can do better. We now need to apply that inventive spirit to the challenge of connecting more of our communities to prosperity and I’m delighted to be joining the Inclusive Growth Commission and playing a part in that process.”
Gillian Sewell added: “The East Midlands is an outstanding region that has so much to offer and be proud of.
“We can build on this strong foundation and deliver meaningful benefits by lifting the prosperity of our all our communities whilst supporting the wellbeing of our people”.
The Commission’s conclusion and recommendations will be developed in close collaboration with a wide range of groups and organisations across the East Midlands, including councils, businesses, colleges, universities and trade unions. The recommendations from the Commission will inform future investment proposals for up to £4billion of public investment by EMCCA.
