Chancellor bangs the drum for the East Midlands in Washington DC 

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves joined East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward in Washington DC to drum up investor opportunities in the East Midlands.

Mayor Claire was in the US as part of the Bloomberg Harvard programme for Mayors which provides executive training, coaching, and networking to help regional leaders tackle complex challenges, innovate, and improve local services.

While in Washington, Claire attended an Investors Roundtable hosted by Ms Reeves during the IMF Spring Meetings. They met with key investors and companies with a strong interest in driving investment in the UK.

Chancellor sets out economic plan

In Washington, the Chancellor has been setting out how she will go further and faster on her economic plan to build a stronger and more resilient economy by delivering stability, boosting investment, and driving reform.

Last month, she set out how greater investment in regions outside of London and the South East will be one of the biggest growth opportunities for the country.

Ms Reeves said: “The opportunities on offer in the East Midlands are huge. Whether it’s investing in the next generation of nuclear technology with Rolls-Royce, the developments at the freeport or the decision to place Great British Railway’s headquarters in Derby, this government is putting its weight behind the region, and there’s no doubt it’s an attractive destination for businesses from around the world to invest in. 

“The East Midlands has the talent, ambition and vision – now with government and business working in partnership to back the East Midlands we will drive growth, boost jobs and put more money in people’s pockets.”

Mayor Claire said: “The Chancellor clearly understands the potential of our brilliant region, and the message from the government is clear: the East Midlands is building the future economy, today, and the opportunities are there to be realised.

“Ours is a region that powered the country and shaped industry all over the world. It is already a great place to live, work, and learn, but as Mayor, I have even higher ambitions and will work with partners, innovators, and investors to achieve them.”