Nottingham

Scott Knowles (Credit: East Midlands Chamber)

Chamber describes 2026 Budget as ‘underwhelming’ and missing full growth potential

A spokesperson for the East Midlands Chamber has given a reaction to the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget, highlighting the need for greater support to unlock growth. East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “Keeping a fairly steady ship seemed to be the overarching theme of this Budget but while business can take some comfort that significant further cost increases were not imposed, greater support is needed to unlock growth. “Prioritising AI, backing enterprise and easing some of the burden for […]

28 October 2026 16

Derby

New funding powers for East Midlands Mayor will support jobs and growth across the region

The Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, has welcomed the 2026 Autumn Budget. Chancellor John Healey has set out plans to give mayors more control over locally raised money, alongside major investment into Derby’s aerospace industry. These changes will help Mayor Claire invest in local priorities, support businesses, and create jobs. Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: "It was brilliant to be present for the Autumn Budget, the first by our new Chancellor, John Healey and particularly […]

28 October 2026 11

Derby

Derby looks to follow Nottingham by implementing a balaclava ban

Derby City Council has said it is looking closely “with interest” at launching a city-wide balaclava ban. But the Labour-run authority has been urged to start a ban as soon as possible and follow Nottingham’s lead – with the use of face coverings increasing in Derby. Nottingham leaders implemented new powers last month giving police and community protection officers the ability to demand face coverings are removed and issue fines. The order can be given if there is a belief […]

23 October 2026 6

Derby

Inflation surge to 3.5% amplifies need for business-supportive Budget

The East Midlands Chamber has said inflation having risen more than anticipated by economists to 3.5% means the Autumn Budget must ‘place business front and centre and create the conditions needed for growth’ as it called on the Chancellor to action the Five Asks outlined in its 2026 Budget Submission. The rise in inflation to 3.5% for the 12 months to September, as published by the Office for National Statistics, is up from 3.1% in the 12 months to August […]

21 October 2026 12

Derby

Fourth consecutive fall in East Midlands unemployment but Budget must reduce costs for employers

The region’s unemployment level has fallen to 4.7% but is still too high, East Midlands Chamber has said as it urged the Chancellor to ensure the Budget on 28th October brings down costs for employers and prioritises skills investment. The Chamber’s recently published 2026 Budget submission calls for the Chancellor to prioritise five points, which include reducing the cost of employing and addressing skills shortages. The latest estimated unemployment figure from the Office for National Statistics for over 16s in […]

20 October 2026 8

Derby

Midlands Connect enters new chapter

Midlands Connect will move to a new mayoral and leader-led model from April 2027, giving the region greater collective ownership of its strategic transport agenda. For more than a decade, Midlands Connect has brought together mayors, leaders and partners from across the Midlands to develop and champion the transport connections needed to support regional growth. This was sponsored by the Department for Transport (DfT). As devolution and Local Government Reorganisation reshape the political landscape, Midlands Connect is evolving alongside that […]

20 October 2026 7

Derby

Visit East Midlands launches with ambition to grow region’s visitor economy by £1bn

A new regional partnership has been launched with the ambition of growing the East Midlands visitor economy by an additional £1 billion by 2035 - attracting more visitors, encouraging longer stays and increasing spending across the region. Visit East Midlands brings together the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), local authorities, destination organisations and businesses to give the region a stronger voice, attract new audiences and help tourism and hospitality businesses grow. The partnership and its new website were officially […]

14 October 2026 15

Richard Blackmore from The East Midlands Chamber

Derby

Chamber submits five Budget asks to unlock growth in the East Midlands

Ahead of the 2026 Autumn Budget on 28th October, the East Midlands Chamber has called on the Chancellor to prioritise five measures it says, if announced, would ensure the best conditions are in place for business and growth in the region. The five points are based on the Chamber's landmark document - The Framework for Growth - and follow extensive engagement with firms across the East Midlands through research, surveys, roundtables and direct consultation. The five Autumn Budget asks outlined […]

14 October 2026 11

Derby

Drop in decarbonisation investment from East Midlands firms but Nature-based Solutions take-up increases

Nearly 4% fewer businesses in the region are investing in decarbonisation, 6% fewer are accessing support, the number of firms deriving sales from green goods and services (GGSs) has fallen 9% but more are engaging in nature-based solutions. Findings from 2026 joint research published by East Midlands Chamber and the University of Derby present a mixed picture. The 2026 results were revealed in ‘Green Growth Trends in the East Midlands’ which has reported levels of awareness and engagement with green […]

13 October 2026 13

Chamber describes 2026 Budget as ‘underwhelming’ and missing full growth potential

New funding powers for East Midlands Mayor will support jobs and growth across the region

Derby looks to follow Nottingham by implementing a balaclava ban

Inflation surge to 3.5% amplifies need for business-supportive Budget

Fourth consecutive fall in East Midlands unemployment but Budget must reduce costs for employers

Midlands Connect enters new chapter

Visit East Midlands launches with ambition to grow region’s visitor economy by £1bn

Chamber submits five Budget asks to unlock growth in the East Midlands

Drop in decarbonisation investment from East Midlands firms but Nature-based Solutions take-up increases

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