Chancellor joins city leaders as Team Derby launches with £10m backing

Chancellor Rachel Reeves joined Derby leaders, major employers and community partners at the city’s Museum of Making for the first meeting of Team Derby, a new partnership backed by £10 million of government investment to support the city’s growth.

Team Derby brings together local leaders, major businesses, the University of Derby and government partners to ensure major investment in the city delivers for local people.

The partnership will focus on turning Derby’s strengths in rail, aerospace, nuclear, advanced manufacturing and clean energy into good jobs, better skills opportunities, stronger high streets and visible improvements across the city.

The Chancellor’s attendance underlined the Government’s backing for Team Derby and its ambition to make the city a leading centre for innovation, industry and inclusive growth.

Ms Reeves said: “Team Derby will drive growth, jobs and regeneration in this great city. That’s why we have backed it with £10m of investment, and I am delighted to be here today to show my continued support.

“Regional growth is central to Labour’s economic plan and we have real strengths here, from transport to defence and clean energy. I look forward to working with our brilliant Labour Mayor and Labour MPs as they take this initiative forward.”

Team Derby aims to position Derby as a leading UK city for innovation and industry collaboration, particularly across the defence, clean energy and rail sectors. The initiative will support local people into skilled jobs, strengthen supply chains and ensure investment benefits communities across the city.

Team Derby

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “Team Derby is exactly the kind of partnership we need to drive inclusive growth across our region, ensuring investment reaches every community and creates real opportunity for local people.

“By bringing together employers, educators and government, we can strengthen skills development, support lifelong learning and help residents access the high-quality jobs being created in our key industries.

“With government backing and strong local leadership, Team Derby will unlock potential, boost productivity and ensure growth is shared fairly, so everyone can thrive now and in the future.”

The meeting was also attended by Derby South MP Baggy Shanker, Derby City Council leader Cllr Nadine Peatfield and Sam Dennis, council interim chief executive.

Baggy Shanker MP said: “Growing up in Derby, I was proud of what our city made for the country. I felt that again when I worked at Rolls-Royce, alongside people whose skill and hard work help power Britain.

“But that pride should be felt right across Derby, not just in our biggest employers but in our city centre, in our neighbourhoods, and in the chances young people have to build their future here.

“That is why launching Team Derby today, with the Chancellor’s backing, is so important. It brings government, business, the council, the university and community partners together to make sure major investment reaches local people and local places, so we can all share in Derby’s success.”

Senior representatives from key organisations were present, including the University of Derby, Rolls-Royce, Alstom and Toyota, alongside Marketing Derby, Community Action Derby, Homes England and the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Cllr Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council, said: “Derby’s strength has always been in getting the job done without making a fuss. Our reputation is built on delivering results without looking for the limelight.

“We have long known Derby’s potential and it’s great that the Government is fully backing that vision. This £10 million investment and the Chancellor’s support means we can move from planning to delivery at a much larger scale. By bringing together our businesses, partners and the Government, we are making sure that growth leads to real jobs and skills for local people.

 “We’ve been working hard behind the scenes and our foundations are in place. So, it’s now time to unlock our full potential and start showing what Derby can achieve.”

Priority areas

Discussions focused on four priority areas: business growth and investment; transport and connectivity; placemaking, infrastructure and development; and education, employment and skills.

Members also highlighted major opportunities for the city, including regeneration of the city centre, new housing, and the establishment of Great British Railways’ -headquarters in Derby. Infinity Park – part of the East Midlands Investment Zone – was identified as a key site for advanced manufacturing and logistics growth.

Plans for the city centre include delivering 4,500 new homes alongside high-quality commercial and innovation space, supported by an enhanced cultural and leisure offer. At Infinity Park, ambitions include developing world-class talent and strengthening the UK’s position in nuclear, defence and energy innovation.

The establishment of Great British Railways in Derby is expected to play a central role in driving investment, regeneration and job creation across the region.

Outcomes from the meeting will shape the next phase of Team Derby’s work, as partners seek to secure further Government support and accelerate delivery of key projects across the city.