East Midlands Chamber Archives

Scott Knowles (Credit: East Midlands Chamber)

Government scheme good step in getting young people into employment

The East Midlands Chamber has welcomed progress from the government's Jobs Guarantee scheme, with the first young people having begun paid placements, but has renewed its call for greater skills support as outlined in its publication The Framework for Growth, to get more young people into skilled roles. The Jobs Guarantee scheme offers a direct route into work for 18 to 24-year-olds who have been claiming Universal Credit and looking for work for 18 months, with the government funding up […]

27 August 2026 10

Richard Blackmore from The East Midlands Chamber

Derbyshire

Business rates review for pubs and hotels a step forward but wider root and branch review needed

The East Midlands Chamber has welcomed a Government review into pub and hotel business rates valuations but renewed its call for a full root and branch review, to include manufacturing and smaller businesses, as well as the full hospitality sector. The Treasury's independent review and Call for Evidence into the valuation methodology for pubs and hotels follows an announcement in July of an additional 20% cut to business rates for pubs, social clubs and live music venues, taking effect from […]

24 August 2026 11

Derbyshire

Highest inflation in four months means Budget must tackle squeeze on business

The upcoming Autumn Budget must be more supportive of business to mitigate pressure on firms, East Midlands Chamber has said, after latest data showed inflation has risen sharply to 2.9% - the highest level in four months. The latest estimated inflation figure from the Office for National Statistics covers the 12 months to July 2026, up from 2.6% in June. East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “Inflation going the wrong direction – rising again and moving further away […]

19 August 2026 19

Derby

Slowdown in economic growth underlines the need for the Autumn Budget to support business

After UK economic growth slowed to 0.4% in the three months to June, from 0.6% in the first three months of the year, East Midlands Chamber is urging the Chancellor to ensure business growth is 'front and centre’ in the upcoming Autumn Budget. The latest estimated GDP figure is from the Office for National Statistics and covers April to June 2026. East Midlands Chamber Director of Resources Lucy Robinson said: “While some reassurance can be taken that GDP held up […]

13 August 2026 16

Derby

EMCCA welcomes extra powers after government grants new status

The East Midlands Combined County Authority has welcomed additional powers after the Government granted it new status. As an Established Mayoral Strategic Authority (EMSA), EMCCA now has the right to request new powers and responsibilities. It also unlocks the ability for EMCCA to apply for a more flexible, integrated funding settlement – meaning greater local control over funding and decisions, rather than managing multiple separate funding streams. Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, the figurehead of EMCCA, said: “This is a major milestone […]

11 August 2026 18

Derby

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 18

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 13

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 9

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 20

East Midlands Chamber

Government scheme good step in getting young people into employment

Business rates review for pubs and hotels a step forward but wider root and branch review needed

Highest inflation in four months means Budget must tackle squeeze on business

Slowdown in economic growth underlines the need for the Autumn Budget to support business

EMCCA welcomes extra powers after government grants new status

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

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

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