Nottingham

Scott Knowles (Credit: East Midlands Chamber)

Income tax allocation for regional mayors is ‘big leap forward for growth’ in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire

‘A big leap forward for growth and for progressing the devolution asks we’ve been calling for’ - East Midlands Chamber’s reaction to a major Government policy change for some revenue from income tax and business rates to be allocated to regional mayors. The changes are expected to begin from Spring 2027 with more detail to be revealed in this year’s Autumn Budget. Under the plan, mayors will get some of the revenues taken from income tax and business rates to be […]

31 July 2026

Derby

Mayor of the East Midlands to get income tax to make lives better in every postcode

Mayor Claire Ward has welcomed the biggest transfer of power from Westminster in a generation. The Prime Minister has announced today the new roles of mayors which will give communities greater control over the decisions that shape jobs, transport, housing and public services in their area. As part of the largest package of financial powers ever offered to English mayors, mayors will receive a share of income tax revenues for the first time. This means when places create jobs and […]

30 July 2026

Derby

3.75% interest rate hold offers stability but little relief for firms looking for a better rate to borrow

The East Midlands Chamber has said the Bank of England’s decision to keep the interest rate unchanged at 3.75% gives predictability to business but will frustrate those looking to borrow at a lower level. East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “Keeping a steady ship amid an uncertain economic climate by not moving the interest rate yet seems a logical decision, especially with the ongoing Middle East conflict, but will be a frustration for firms looking to borrow at […]

30 July 2026 6

Richard Blackmore from The East Midlands Chamber

News

Chamber responds as Government green lights unitary councils for Nottinghamshire and Nottingham

The East Midlands Chamber has cautiously welcomed the Secretary of State's decision to proceed with the two unitary council options requested by Nottingham City Council, which would be subject to Parliamentary approval, but called for the process to bring minimal disruption to business. A Structural Changes Order is being prepared to formalise the reorganisation and is expected to come into force in 2027. It will transfer functions, responsibilities, assets, liabilities and rights from existing councils to the new unitary authorities. […]

30 July 2026 5

Derby

Locally focused technical education in schools is ‘step forward’ in addressing skills gap

The East Midlands Chamber has welcomed a policy outlined by the Prime Minister during a visit to Derby, for mayors, local leaders and businesses to help shape education in schools to align with the needs of firms in their region. Launched during a visit to the Alstom train factory on 28th July, the Prime Minister’s plan for 14-16s is set to take effect from September 2028. From Year 10, students will be able to combine traditional academic subjects like English, […]

29 July 2026 12

An image from the Manifesto Launch Event (Credit: Wonderbee)

Nottingham

Nottingham City Council pledges to act on the People’s Manifesto for a greener city

A roadmap for a greener, fairer city created by the people of Nottingham has been welcomed by Nottingham City Council. At the launch of the Nottingham Environment and Climate Assembly manifesto on 23rd July, local residents who helped create the plan shared their hopes for a green future with the city’s decision makers. Fola Sowunmi, from Forest Fields, said: “By empowering local people to lead local initiatives, we can create thriving neighbourhoods where everyone has the opportunity to contribute, connect, […]

24 July 2026 5

Derby

Data reveals high cost of Iran conflict on Midlands firms

8 out of 10 Midlands businesses have experienced increased costs as a result of the Iran war, according to a survey from four chambers of commerce in the region. Manufacturers have been particularly exposed to rising energy, transport, insurance and raw material costs. East Midlands Chamber, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and Black Country Chamber of Commerce surveyed 698 businesses. The four chambers of commerce are calling on Government to recognise the regional impact […]

24 July 2026 9

Nottingham

Citizen-led vision for Nottingham steps up to the climate challenge

A blueprint for a green, healthy city created by the people of Nottingham will be unveiled today (23rd July 2026). It is the product of more than two years of citizen-led work including mini assemblies and a youth assembly to come up with a roadmap for a greener, fairer city that brings local voices right into the heart of city climate decisions. Nottingham has one of the most ambitious climate targets in the UK, but hitting CN28 means bringing the […]

23 July 2026 16

Derby

Inflation easing to 2.6% encouraging for business

The East Midlands Chamber has said pressure on firms will be alleviated slightly as inflation reached its lowest level since March 2025. The latest estimated figure from the Office for National Statistics covers the 12 months to June 2026, down from 2.8% in May. East Midlands Chamber Director of Policy and Insight Richard Blackmore said: “With our Quarterly Economic Survey for Q2 of 2026 having shown inflation to be the greatest concern of East Midlands firms and forecasts from economists […]

22 July 2026 11

Income tax allocation for regional mayors is ‘big leap forward for growth’ in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire

Mayor of the East Midlands to get income tax to make lives better in every postcode

3.75% interest rate hold offers stability but little relief for firms looking for a better rate to borrow

Chamber responds as Government green lights unitary councils for Nottinghamshire and Nottingham

Locally focused technical education in schools is ‘step forward’ in addressing skills gap

Nottingham City Council pledges to act on the People’s Manifesto for a greener city

Data reveals high cost of Iran conflict on Midlands firms

Citizen-led vision for Nottingham steps up to the climate challenge

Inflation easing to 2.6% encouraging for business

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