A partnership of businesses, local authorities and local enterprise partnerships (LEPs) – including the D2N2 LEP – which aims to add £54billion to the Midlands economy, has today (September 22) published its Vision for Growth, setting out how this will be achieved.
The Midlands Engine Partnership works across the East and West Midlands to showcase and grow the region’s businesses, create the necessary infrastructure for improved economic growth and attract investment. The Midlands Vision for Growth – published today – sets out five key investment priorities, which will accelerate productivity across the region.
D2N2 – one of the organisations which makes up the Midlands Engine Partnership – is the LEP for Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, and works to grow its area’s economy; with the aim of creating 55,000 new jobs in ten years (2013-2023).
Priorities set out in the Vision for Growth document include:
Connectivity – Delivering the Midlands Connect transport strategy and accelerate the implementation of HS2, while securing full funding for a rail, road and smart connectivity package. It will also seek to maximise the potential of the region’s two international airports – including East Midlands Airport.
Investment in strategic infrastructure – Create a 5G mobile network technology digital test-bed, increase logistics and freight capabilities, and use HS2 as a catalyst for growth – helping to deliver the East Midlands HS2 Growth Strategy.
Growing international trade and investment – Explore the potential of an international free trade zone, expand the Midlands Engine trade and investment programme, and create a fund to attract large events and conferences.
Increasing innovation and enterprise – Create an environment which capitalises on the region’s economic strengths, whilst aiming to secure national initiatives, sector deals and investments.
Shaping great places – Secure strategic relocations, including the Defence and National Rehabilitation Centre, which is being built at the Stanford Hall Estate, near East Leake. The partnership will also support Nottingham’s European Capital of Culture 2023 bid, work with Visit England and Visit Britain to create tourism marketing campaigns, and enable 600,000 homes to be built within 15 years.
Communities Secretary Sajid Javid said: “The Midlands is essential to our national economic success and we have an ambitious vision for the region. That’s why we committed £392m to the region through the Local Growth Fund earlier this year. Engagement with local partners will be crucial to its success and the Midlands Engine Partnership is putting local leaders, businesses and residents in the driving seat. I’m delighted to be working with them on the bold Vision for Growth that has been set out today.”
Sir John Peace, Chair of the Midlands Engine (pictured above), added: “Today marks a key moment for the Midlands. By improving our productivity and driving economic growth we can power the country’s post-Brexit economy, not just for the benefit of Midlands but for the whole UK.”
Matthew Wheatley, Growth Plan Manager at the D2N2 LEP, added: “The Midlands Engine Vision for Growth shows that LEPs, councils and businesses across the Midlands, working together, can better deliver the innovation, investment and infrastructure we need to help our firms become more productive and internationally competitive”.
To read a copy of the Midlands Engine Vision for Growth document, visit www.midlandsengine.org/visionforgrowth
For more information on D2N2, and its work in helping to deliver the Midlands Engine Initiative, visit www.d2n2lep.org/growth/midlands-engine
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Sean Kirby D2N2 Communications Manager 01159 578749 |  | Sam Burbage D2N2 Social Media and Marketing Officer 01159 578254 | ||
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