The East Midlands was the birthplace of the first industrial revolution, known for its heavy industry and manufacturing. Today, the region aspires to be at the centre of the UK’s clean industries revolution. The region will embrace the principles of the Industrial Strategy Zone to lead the way in further developing and fast-tracking a sustainable, modern, agile and well-skilled low carbon economy.
In 2023, the Government announced its support for the East Midlands Investment Zone (EMIZ), which was confirmed in the annual budget in October 2024. Alongside the government investment of £160 million over ten years, Rolls-Royce and Laing O’Rourke have pledged to provide an anchor investment of £9.3 million. The Investment Zone is expected to attract at least £383 million in private sector investment.
Focusing on clean energy and advanced manufacturing, EMIZ will provide various incentives to businesses located within its area, such as grants, business rates retention and tax incentives, aimed at driving economic growth and generating thousands of high-quality jobs.
The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is the accountable body for EMIZ and will oversee and manage the implementation of the initiative.
Our vision is to establish ourselves as the national hub of excellence and the primary destination for clean energy technology and advanced manufacturing investors. This will drive local economic growth and enhance productivity, while protecting the environment for both current and future generations.
Businesses will have access to unique industry-aligned R&D infrastructure to fast-track the design, testing and production of new zero carbon technologies. These are powered by partners University of Nottingham, University of Derby, and Nottingham Trent University.
EMIZ spans the full geography of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, supporting inclusive, innovation-led growth across both counties. While the programme encompasses a wide range of interventions and opportunities throughout the region, three designated strategic sites serve as focal points for delivery and benefit from targeted tax and business rate retention incentives.
We will focus on ‘clean’ technologies and advanced manufacturing as priority sectors for the Industrial Strategy Zone.
Three key, strategic sites are:
• Infinity Park, Derby
• Hartington Staveley, Chesterfield
• Explore Park, near Worksop
Our programme is already unlocking investment, creating new opportunities for businesses and communities, and laying the foundations for thousands of high quality jobs in our region.
Take a look at our case studies to find out what the East Midlands Investment Zone has achieved so far.
Our East Midlands Investment Zone programme is attracting future investment, creating jobs, and strengthening the region’s position in high-growth industries.
University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University, and University of Derby have worked with sector specialist delivery partners to deliver Innovation and Skills Roadmaps to help guide the East Midlands Investment Zone programme.
Through the East Midlands Investment Zone programme, we’re making sure that our communities have the skills they need to thrive.
We have worked in partnership with University of Derby, Nottingham Trent University, and University of Nottingham to understand the skills that are required to grow the advanced manufacturing and clean energy sectors in our region. The recommendations in their independent report highlight that we need to:
Our East Midlands Investment Zone programme is attracting future investment, creating jobs, and strengthening the region’s position in high-growth industries.
University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University, and University of Derby have worked with sector specialist delivery partners Midlands Aerospace Alliance, Nuclear Collaboration Ltd, East Midlands Manufacturing Network and a to develop a series of innovation roadmaps.
These roadmaps identify the areas where the East Midlands has competitive advantage in specific industry sectors.
The research provides the foundation to develop local innovation clusters in four high growth areas: sustainable advanced manufacturing; renewable energy and green construction; nuclear; and zero emission propulsion.
We are continuing to develop this page but in the meantime if you have any questions please email: emiz@eastmidlands-cca.gov.uk
