The impact that the D2N2 LEP has made locally throughout the last 12 months and over the previous ten years was celebrated at its Annual General Meeting on 24 November.
Attendees from the business, public, voluntary and community sectors joined the event, which was held in person at the De Vere Jubilee Conference Centre in Nottingham.
The D2N2 AGM showed how the £1.5 billion of investment brought into the area as a result of the LEP activity has helped create 18,000 jobs and apprenticeships, supported 17,000 SMEs via the LEP-funded Growth Hub, and helped 12,000 learners.
Elizabeth Fagan, CBE, Chair of the D2N2 LEP, opened proceedings with a video and looked back on the achievements of the organisation – both over the last year and the previous decade.
Attendees then heard from three keynote speakers, including Jackie Wild (SmartParc Ltd), senior leaders from Esteem Multi-Academy Trust and Cllr. Ben Bradley MP (Member of Parliament for Mansfield and Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council)
The event ended with a Question-and-Answer panel with members of D2N2’s board, including Elizabeth Fagan CBE, David Williams, and Viv Russell. The panel responded to a wide range of questions submitted before the event and from the audience.
Speaking after the event, D2N2 Interim Chief Executive, Will Morlidge, said: “We were pleased that so many people took the time to join us and hear about what has been achieved over the ten years, and our vision for our region’s economic recovery and growth.
“The past year should give us confidence that we can unlock investments to deliver and safeguard jobs, homes and learners and ensure the region bounces back bigger, better and stronger.
“I would like to thank our partners for their support and joint investment and look forward to continuing our work as we look to rebuild and grow our economy quickly and sustainably.”
The Annual Conference also served as the 2020/21 D2N2 Annual Review launch, which showcases the organisation’s work across the region. Download a copy here.