What is the East Midlands Investment Zone – and why does it matter?

The East Midlands Investment Zone (EMIZ) is a major initiative designed to boost jobs, investment, and opportunity across our region.

It represents a once-in-a-generation chance to strengthen the region’s economy, support local people, and position the East Midlands at the heart of the UK’s cleaner, smarter industrial future.

The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is the accountable body for delivering EMIZ.

A bold vision for the East Midlands

EMIZ brings together targeted funding, tax incentives, and Mayor Claire Ward’s devolved powers to tackle long-standing barriers to growth. Its focus is on two high-potential sectors:

• Clean energy industries, including nuclear and zero emissions propulsion;
• Advanced manufacturing, such as rail, aerospace, defence, and green construction.

By supporting these sectors, EMCCA aims to unlock innovation, attract private investment, and create high-quality jobs.

What makes the East Midlands Investment Zone different?

Investment Zones are a flagship Government policy to accelerate regional growth, and the East Midlands is one of just 12 across the country. EMCCA is committed to a place-based approach for the East Midlands Investment Zone – meaning policies and investment are tailored specifically to the strengths, challenges, and opportunities of our region.

Working closely with government, businesses, universities, and local partners, EMCCA is ensuring that investment is coordinated, strategic, and focused on long-term impact.

Backed by £160m of Government funding over 10 years, alongside a suite of tax incentives, EMIZ gives businesses the confidence to invest and grow locally.

What benefits will it bring?

Over the next decade, EMIZ is expected to deliver significant economic, social, and environmental benefits, including:

• Up to 4,300 new high-quality jobs, particularly in green industries and advanced manufacturing;
• At least £383m in private sector investment;
• Higher productivity through innovation and commercialisation of research;
• New skills and training opportunities, helping people retrain, upskill, and access better jobs;
• Regeneration of brownfield land, unlocking about 180 hectares for sustainable development;
• Progress towards net zero, by supporting clean technologies and low-carbon infrastructure.

These outcomes will help ensure growth is inclusive – benefiting local businesses, communities, and future generations.

Key sites driving growth

While the programme covers the whole region, three strategic sites have been designated as the core delivery areas for EMIZ incentives:

• Explore Park, Worksop – supporting cutting-edge manufacturing across nuclear, robotics, data centres, and advanced technologies, anchored by Laing O’Rourke;
• Infinity Park, Derby – a nationally significant hub for nuclear and advanced manufacturing, anchored by Rolls-Royce;
• Hartington Staveley, Chesterfield – a brownfield site with excellent transport links, focused on rail and clean manufacturing.

These sites will act as catalysts for wider regional growth.

Supporting innovation, skills, and opportunity

EMIZ is not just about physical development. It also focuses on building the foundations for long-term success by:

• Strengthening collaboration between businesses, universities, and research institutions;
• Creating clear pathways for local people to access new jobs and career opportunities;
• Supporting cutting-edge innovation in areas such as automation, artificial intelligence, and advanced engineering;
• Developing tailored training and reskilling programmes to meet real industry needs.

Inclusion and accessibility are built into every aspect of delivery, helping ensure that growth supports everyone.

Why it matters

The East Midlands Investment Zone is about more than investment figures or infrastructure. It’s about creating good jobs, supporting innovation, revitalising communities, and placing the East Midlands at the centre of the UK’s green industrial revolution.

What are Investment Zones?

Investment Zones are areas across the UK where central and local government will work with business and local partners to create the conditions for investment and innovation.

Investment Zones are located in areas with existing local strengths and significant untapped potential. They will deploy a range of interventions – including tax reliefs, planning mechanisms and innovation, skills and business support – to unlock opportunities for business and address barriers to private sector growth, creating more high-quality jobs for communities across the country.

Each Investment Zone is focused on supporting the growth of at least one of these sectors:

• Advanced manufacturing;
• Creative industries;
• Digital and tech;
• Green industries;
• Life sciences.