East Midlands Mayor showcases regional potential to global investors

The Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, has met with key investors this week to highlight the region’s growing economic opportunities and showcase the East Midlands as a prime destination for investment.

During a series of one-to-one meetings and roundtable discussions at the Regional Investment Summit , Mayor Claire and officials from the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) outlined the region’s ambitious growth plans, including a £2 billion transport investment programme, a £160 million Investment Zone, and the £38m annual East Midlands Investment Fund. 

Mayor Claire said: "The East Midlands is a region ready to deliver. From advanced manufacturing and clean energy to digital innovation and the visitor economy, we have the assets, talent, and infrastructure to support long-term growth. These discussions with investors are about turning potential into real opportunities for our communities and businesses.” 

The Mayor’s meetings also highlighted the region’s flagship projects: 

• Peak Cluster: One of the world’s largest carbon capture and storage projects, securing UK cement and lime industries and safeguarding thousands of jobs; 
• Supercluster: Anchored by the UK’s flagship STEP fusion prototype at West Burton, creating a globally significant clean energy and innovation hub; 
• Trent Arc: Linking Derby, Nottingham, and East Midlands Parkway, delivering city centre regeneration, industrial hubs, and over 30,000 new homes. 

Mayor Claire said: “These discussions are about improving lives across the East Midlands. Attracting new businesses, supporting the growth of local industries, and creating high-quality jobs will ensure that everyone in the East Midlands feels the benefit of economic growth. Investment into housing, skills, clean energy and infrastructure will make our region more connected, resilient, and prosperous.

"This will give people better opportunities to live, work, and build a future here.”

The East Midlands offers a unique combination of strategic connectivity, sector expertise, and skilled talent. With 91 per cent of the UK population within a four-hour drive, direct access to major motorways, rail networks, and the UK’s busiest inland freight airport, investors benefit from unrivalled reach to markets and supply chains. 

The Mayor will continue engaging with investors, ensuring that projects are aligned with the region’s East Midlands Growth Plan, which aims to strengthen communities across the East Midlands and deliver: 

• 60,000+more people in work; 
• 210,000more people with skilled qualifications; 
• 100,000+ homes built; 
• £13bnadded to the economy ;
• £2bn+investment in transport infrastructure; 
• 1GW additional clean community energy generation.