Nottingham

Richard Blackmore from The East Midlands Chamber

Unemployment in the East Midlands drops to summer 2025 level but skills investment needed

The East Midlands Chamber has welcomed a slight fall in the region’s unemployment from 5.6% to 5.2% but said skills support should be prioritised to further reduce the level and get suitable candidates into jobs. The latest estimated figure from the Office for National Statistics for over 16s in the region covers the period between March and May 2026 and is the lowest level since July to September 2025, which was also 5.2%. East Midlands Chamber Director of Policy and […]

21 July 2026 24

Derby

Chamber highlights growth opportunities in the East Midlands as new Prime Minister takes office

The East Midlands Chamber has declared itself as standing ready to work with new Prime Minister Andy Burnham. A statement said that its pledge was to underline "‘tremendous growth opportunities’ that can be seized from collaboration with the region’s business community." East Midlands Chamber Director of Policy and Insight Richard Blackmore said: “With the East Midlands a Centre of Trading Excellence – a powerhouse of skill, of making and creating - it is right to highlight the tremendous growth opportunities […]

20 July 2026 21

Derby

Chamber responds to city boundary change decisions in Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire

Following Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) decisions announced in Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, East Midlands Chamber has given its reaction. Decisions were reached after consultation periods took place in each of the three cities and counties. New unitary councils are expected to begin delivering services from April 2028. Derby and Derbyshire 10 councils reorganised into two unitaries: North Derbyshire - High Peak, Derbyshire Dales, Chesterfield, Bolsover, North East Derbyshire, northern Amber Valley South Derbyshire - Derby City, Erewash, South Derbyshire, southern […]

17 July 2026 50

Derby

UK-India deal brings ‘significant benefit’ to businesses trading internationally

Firms across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire that import or export goods are set to gain as the UK’s new trade deal with India, said to be worth £4.8bn to the UK economy each year comes into force, East Midlands Chamber has said. Head of International Trade Lucy Granger said: “India has proved to be a valuable trading partner for East Midlands importers and exporters and with this deal now active, there’s a tremendous opportunity for those that trade internationally to […]

15 July 2026 35

Derby

Chancellor’s focus on devolution, expanded SME finance and closer EU collaboration welcomed in key speech

The East Midlands Chamber has given its collective reaction to Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s annual Mansion House speech, delivered on 14th July. Priorities set out in the Chancellor’s City of London address included: Devolving power to regions of the UK ‘at greater scale’ Closer EU relationship with the ‘prize’ being ‘immense’ The UK-EU summit to be rescheduled ‘as soon as possible’ ‘Embracing the opportunities of AI while guarding against the risks’ Expansion of small business finance East Midlands Chamber Director of […]

15 July 2026 28

Groundwork Five Counties staff Marion Farrell in middle in black with Friends of Red River Loscoe

Derby

Green charity improves green spaces equal to 58 football fields

Regional charity Groundwork Five Counties has announced it has improved 415,964 m² of land in 2025/26, equal to 58 football fields. The organisation manages dozens of green spaces around the East Midlands, supported by community volunteers. Rish Mills, Environment Delivery Manager at Groundwork Five Counties, said: “We manage parks, walking trails, nature reserves, woods, and other public spaces. We create open, easily accessible areas that offer increased biodiversity for the wildlife to thrive in and for visitors to enjoy. “We […]

1 July 2026 49

Derby

£107m investment plan to deliver growth across the East Midlands

A £107 million investment plan to support business growth, strengthen communities and create thriving places is moving at pace after being backed by the Mayor of the East Midlands. The Local Growth Fund programme was approved by members of the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) Investment Committee today (Monday 29th June), with 17 programmes now endorsed to progress towards delivery. The plan will bring together programmes aimed at driving long-term economic development across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. The […]

29 June 2026 23

Scott Knowles (Credit: East Midlands Chamber)

Derby

New steel import tariffs must be addressed by ministers, Chamber tells MPs

East Midlands Chamber has called on the region’s MPs to lobby ministers to take action against imminent changes to steel import tariffs, that the Chamber says could add significant cost and ‘run into millions’ for some importers. From 1st July, tariff-free exemptions on imported steel are set to be reduced by 51% - revised from a level of 60% previously proposed in March - with any imported goods that exceed the quota charged a 50% tariff on the value. The […]

25 June 2026 20

Borough Wide

New £31m investment to bring empty homes back into use and unlock housing growth

More than £31 million is set to be invested by the Mayor of the East Midlands to create more homes, bring empty properties back into use and support the regeneration of communities across the region. The proposals include £30m for a new Housing and Regeneration Fund and £1.6m to bring empty homes back into use and help tackle homelessness. Together, the two funds would help tackle housing shortages, improve neighbourhoods and support people who need a safe and secure place […]

25 June 2026 28

Unemployment in the East Midlands drops to summer 2025 level but skills investment needed

Chamber highlights growth opportunities in the East Midlands as new Prime Minister takes office

Chamber responds to city boundary change decisions in Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire

UK-India deal brings ‘significant benefit’ to businesses trading internationally

Chancellor’s focus on devolution, expanded SME finance and closer EU collaboration welcomed in key speech

Green charity improves green spaces equal to 58 football fields

£107m investment plan to deliver growth across the East Midlands

New steel import tariffs must be addressed by ministers, Chamber tells MPs

New £31m investment to bring empty homes back into use and unlock housing growth

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