This week, hundreds of people from across the East Midlands came together to help shape the future of their communities. Special events were held in Derby, Chesterfield, and Nottingham, where local people shared their thoughts on how to make the region a better place for everyone. The events were led by the Mayor of the East Midlands Claire Ward, along with members of the East Midlands Inclusive Growth Commission.
The events brought together local residents, community leaders, and business owners to answer a vital question: “What’s the one thing you’d change to make the East Midlands stronger?”
The goal was to hear directly from the local people about what changes they believe would make the region stronger and fairer.
People talked about issues like better transport, more affordable housing, access to good jobs, and support for young people. Many also spoke about the need to reduce inequality and improve health and education across the region.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “Growth for growth’s sake isn’t good enough for me. I want to grow the East Midlands in a way that supports those who need it most, drawing on the talents of people from across the region.”
“The energy and ideas we’ve seen at these events have been incredible. People from many walks of life shared their hopes, their challenges, and their ambitions – not just for themselves, but for their neighbours, their communities, and for future generations.
“We will shape the future of the region together, and I will use my power as mayor to drive forward those priorities.”
The events also gave attendees the chance to hear directly from members of the East Midlands Inclusive Growth Commission, including Gillian Sewell, CEO of YMCA Derbyshire, and Dr Andy Haynes, former Executive Lead for Nottinghamshire’s Integrated Care System. Both shared powerful insights into how inclusive growth can become a reality – not just an aspiration.
Speaking at the Derby event on Tuesday, Gillian Sewell said: “The Inclusive Growth Commission is bringing together local leaders, experts, and communities to build a stronger, fairer East Midlands where people can thrive and no place is left behind. It’s so courageous to put the word inclusive in front of growth – as it sets out that inclusivity is exceptionally important to the Mayor.
“None of us are members of the audience in this, we are all players in the game. We need to work actively and collectively to change our common purpose.”
At the Chesterfield event on Wednesday, Dr Andy Haynes said: “We have an aggregate view of affluent places in the East Midlands, but they don’t tell the whole story. There are big differences in life expectancy and life chance across this region, and we need to tackle that to create a healthier population where more people are able to work.
“The Opportunity Escalator that the Inclusive Growth Commission is creating gives us a strong chance of doing that. It will help people looking to get on the jobs ladder, to grow their skills on to the next level, and to develop the skills needed for the jobs of the future.”
The Inclusive Growth Commission, established by Mayor Claire Ward in partnership with the RSA (Royal Society of Arts), is working to ensure that the region’s £4 billion investment plan unlocks opportunities for all by connecting economic growth with social equity, health, and skills.
Their mission is clear: to shape a growth model that works for everyone, no matter where they live or what their background is.
The voices and ideas gathered at this week’s events will now directly feed into the Inclusive Growth Commission’s final report, which is set to be launched in September. This landmark report will lay out a bold vision for inclusive growth in the East Midlands – demonstrating how our region can drive national progress by putting people first.
Published on: 25 July 2025
Categories: News, Economic Development, Net Zero, Skills and Adult Education, Transport, Visitor Economy