Chamber releases Framework for Growth for the East Midlands

East Midlands Chamber’s landmark document setting out policy asks to Government and political leaders to unlock growth in the region was set to be released at an event on 26th November.

A number of East Midlands businesses were expected to attend the launch of the Chamber’s Framework for Growth being held in the region, where key asks covering Skills, Transport, Connectivity, Innovation, and Investment that would enable the region to thrive will be presented.

Publication of the document – on the same day the Chancellor presents the Autumn Budget – follows detailed research and engagement with firms across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and Leicestershire.

Summary of asks in the Framework for Growth:

• Skills and workforce development – flexible skills funds for SMEs and microbusinesses and a 'Single skills portal’ to be created for firms to access apprenticeships, government-funded training and business support
• Infrastructure and connectivity – Fully deliver improvements to the A46, A50/A500 corridor and complete Midland Mainline electrification plus better digital connectivity with universal access to gigabit broadband with 5G
• Enhance planning efficiency – Digitise planning processes and increased delegation to planning officers as well as more resources for local planning authorities
• Energy and taxation – Energy cost relief and efficiency grants for manufacturers and energy-intensive sectors, reform of business rates system, delivered at pace and a long-term ‘roadmap’ for business tax, set out over several years

East Midlands Chamber Director of Policy and Insight Richard Blackmore said: “The East Midlands stands at a pivotal moment right now – significant opportunity is in reach but needs to be unlocked and the Framework for Growth sets out how to achieve that.

“With a regional economy worth over £75 billion and an abundance of strengths across sectors like manufacturing, aerospace, life sciences, space, digital and creative and logistics as well as world class universities and colleges powering innovation and research, the East Midlands must be fully empowered for growth.

“Despite this huge potential, the region has grappled with significant challenges and factors that hamper growth like poor transport infrastructure, sky-high energy costs, painfully slow planning and lack of skilled candidates to fill roles.

“Over the last 12 months our Quarterly Economic Survey has revealed 6 out of 10 East Midlands firms have had difficulty finding employees with the required level of skill to fill a vacancy; investment in plant, machinery and training has stalled and corporate taxation is one of the greatest concerns of business.

“Measures like delivering efficiencies in the planning system, reforming business rates; investing in skills, simplifying access to apprenticeships; achieving devolution for Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland; getting electrification of the Midland Mainline fully completed and upgrading the A46 and A50/A500 corridor would contribute to the region being enabled to thrive.

“The specific asks set out in the Framework for Growth are formed from what our members have said they need and the document, launched on the same day the Autumn Budget is presented, should be seen by political leaders as the policy levers to unlock investment, strengthen infrastructure and build the confidence firms needs for long term planning.”