The Mayor of the East Midlands has pledged residents across Derby will benefit from new jobs, improved skills, and regeneration after a £10 million government investment to accelerate growth in the city.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has awarded the funding to support Team Derby, a partnership led by Mayor Claire Ward and Derby MPs Baggy Shanker and Catherine Atkinson.
The funding comes as Derby continues to attract significant national investment, including its selection as the future home of Great British Railways and major defence contracts awarded to Rolls-Royce. Team Derby will focus on turning these opportunities into real improvements for communities, through job creation, skills development, and regeneration across the city.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “The Chancellor’s recent Mais Lecture shows that this is a government that understands that devolution and prosperity go hand in hand. Team Derby is this principle put into practice – £10 million extra investment to ensure that the people of Derby benefit from its strong economy and boundless opportunities.”
Team Derby brings together local leaders, businesses, academia such as the University of Derby and government in a partnership of organisations committed to driving economic growth in the city and wider region.
By aligning local and significant national investment into the city, part of the EMCCA region, it will help deliver new opportunities for residents and support Derby’s long-term prosperity.
The collaboration aims to position Derby as a model city for innovation, industry collaboration and growth at the heart of the UK’s defence, clean energy and rail sectors – supporting local people into good jobs, strengthening supply chains, and ensuring investment reaches communities across the city.
Priority areas include city centre regeneration, skills, and connectivity and infrastructure, as well as Infinity Park Derby, part of the East Midlands Investment Zone.
The establishment of the Great British Railways headquarters in Derby, for example, is a landmark opportunity for economic growth and regeneration.
Further city centre regeneration plans include delivering 4,500 new homes and high-quality commercial and innovation space, alongside creating a strong culture and leisure offer for all.
The vision for Infinity Park includes developing world-class talent, positioning the UK as a global leader in nuclear, defence and energy innovation.
The funding forms part of the Government’s wider growth plan to strengthen the region’s economy, improve economic resilience, and back key sectors such as advanced manufacturing and clean energy.
The Chancellor said: “Derby has a proud industrial heritage but is also a city looking to the future – with cutting edge firms like Rolls-Royce and Toyota to name just a few.
“It will play a huge role in this Government’s push to unlock growth across Britain as we turn our backs on growth being concentrated in just a few areas and make sure the whole country benefits.
“I am proud to back Team Derby with this £10 million investment and can’t wait to see the results of the partnership.”
Team Derby has also won backing from the Prime Minister. During Prime Minister’s Questions, Sir Keir Starmer told the House of Commons: “Derby is part of our industrial heritage and has a bright future. Initiatives such as Team Derby are so important to strengthen key sectors like defence, creating jobs and growth. Our £9 billion deal with Rolls-Royce to boost our fleet of nuclear submarines is testament to that, creating more than 1,000 jobs and safeguarding 4,000 more.”
Ms Atkinson, Derby North MP, said: “This £10 million investment, following the Prime Minister’s backing for Team Derby, sends a clear signal about the positive direction of Derby’s future.
“It’s further proof that this is a Government that not only recognises our city’s potential but is backing that belief up with real investment in our industries, in our young people, and in the long-term future of our city.
“Team Derby is about making sure that funding is matched by real results for local people, through good jobs, stronger communities and a city that feels the difference.”
Mr Shanker, Derby South MP, said: “Team Derby is about making sure Derby does not just help drive national growth, but shares fully in the rewards of it too.
“This funding gives us the chance to connect the major investment coming into Derby with the wider changes our city needs, from backing local businesses and creating opportunities for young people to improving our city centre.
“That is how we make sure Derby’s economic strength is turned into long-term progress that people can point to in their own communities.”
Cllr Nadine Peatfield, Derby City Council leader, said: ““This new plan puts our city at the heart of the UK’s future. This goes beyond industry; it’s about bringing real, visible change to our communities. For Derby, this means more and better jobs, strengthening our world-leading aerospace and rail sectors and securing thousands of local livelihoods.
“When our big industries thrive, the benefits ripple out, with more people spending in our local shops, cafes, and businesses. Thanks to the focus on #TeamDerby, international investment will be reflected in investment in the city centre experience, so that every resident will feel the benefit.
“Looking forward, this £10m investment opens the door to a brighter future for our young people. Derby will be a city of opportunity where they can stay and build a career in increasingly important industries that are concentrated here.
“This investment is a big vote of confidence in Derby. We are committed to ensuring every resident feels the benefits.”
Prof Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, University of Derby vice-chancellor and chief executive, said: “The University of Derby is delighted with the most recent announcement from the Chancellor for Government support and investment in Team Derby.
“Our role is to ensure that with strong industry partnerships, we drive improved economic vibrancy for our City through our skills, innovation, and research agenda.
“The Infinity Park development will help us leverage these strengths even further, creating new opportunities for collaboration, investment, and transformative growth for Derby.”
Published on: 25 March 2026
Categories: News, Economic Development