East Midlands is ‘irresistible to investment’ as Mayor targets £4bn growth

The East Midlands is open for business and irresistible to investment – that was the message from regional leaders as they shared their vision for the East Midlands at UKREiiF.

Mayor of the East Midlands Claire Ward was joined by the cross-party, cross-county leadership of the East Midlands Combined County Authority’s (EMCCA’s) four constituent councils to highlight how the region is “well-connected and fast-moving, with the scale, leadership and opportunities needed to deliver growth now”.

Team East Midlands’ opening session at the investment and real estate forum saw Mayor Claire joined by Derby City Council leader Cllr Nadine Peatfield, Derbyshire County Council leader Cllr Alan Graves, Nottingham City Council leader Cllr Neghat Khan and Nottinghamshire County Council leader Cllr Mick Barton, showcasing how the region is working together to get things done.

Investment, collaboration and growth

The session, in the Team East Midlands pavilion and led by Mayor Claire, was all about bringing together “regional leaders who are passionate about investment, collaboration, and growth” to showcase their shared regional ambition – a single, long‑term vision for how the East Midlands will grow and compete nationally and globally.

The East Midlands Vision for Growth sets out the region’s bold and clear plan to deliver jobs and homes alongside a massive growth in the economy – providing clarity, confidence and consistency for investors and partners.

Mayor Claire said: “This region has all the ingredients – two great cities, thriving towns, 2.3 million people, 80,000 businesses, and world-leading universities and businesses, like Rolls-Royce and Toyota.

“And this is the prize: we will create 100,000 jobs, deliver 52,000 new homes and add £4 billion to the UK economy, making the East Midlands an even greater place to live, work, and visit.”

The vision for the East Midlands highlights key opportunities for growth across the region’s cities, towns, villages, and natural spaces, targeting:

• Stronger town and city centres;
• Better transport and connectivity;
• High‑quality green and blue spaces.

Strategic investment opportunities across the region include investment-ready growth clusters such as the Trent Arc, Supercluster and Canal Corridor, which offer immediate, high-impact opportunities. Together, they position the East Midlands as one of the UK’s most compelling regions for sustained investment.