Mayor of the East Midlands Showcases Regional Potential to Global Investors

The Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, has met with key international investors this week to showcase the region’s growing economic potential and position the East Midlands as a prime destination for global investment.

During the Regional Investment Summit, Mayor Ward and the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) outlined major opportunities across the region, including a £2 billion transport investment programme, a £160 million Investment Zone, and the £38 million annual East Midlands Investment Fund.

Credit: East Midlands Combined Authority

Mayor Claire said:

The East Midlands is a region ready to deliver. From advanced manufacturing and clean energy to digital innovation and the visitor economy, we have the assets, talent, and infrastructure to support long-term growth. These discussions with investors are about turning potential into real opportunities for our communities and businesses.

Key flagship projects showcased included:

• Peak Cluster – one of the world’s largest carbon capture and storage projects, protecting UK cement and lime industries.

• Supercluster – centred on the UK’s STEP fusion prototype at West Burton, building a global clean energy hub.

• Trent Arc – linking Derby, Nottingham and East Midlands Parkway, delivering regeneration, new homes, and industrial growth.

Mayor Claire added:

These discussions are about improving lives across the East Midlands.
Attracting new businesses, supporting the growth of local industries, and creating high-quality jobs will ensure that everyone in the East Midlands feels the benefit of economic growth. Investment into housing, skills, clean energy and infrastructure will make our region more connected, resilient, and prosperous.
This will give people better opportunities to live, work, and build a future here.

The Mayor emphasised that attracting investment will help create high-quality jobs, boost skills, and strengthen local industries, supporting the delivery of the East Midlands Growth Plan 2025–2035 — which aims to:

• Create 60,000+ new jobs

• Deliver 100,000+ homes

• Support 210,000 new qualifications

• Add £13 billion to the regional economy

• Invest £2 billion in transport infrastructure

• Generate 1GW of clean community energy

With 91% of the UK population within a four-hour drive, strong rail and motorway links, and the UK’s busiest inland freight airport, the East Midlands offers unmatched connectivity, talent, and sector expertise for investors.