The D2N2 LEP set out its vision for Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire’s future development – focusing on a green recovery and growth for the region – at its Annual General Meeting on 2 December 2020.
Over 200 attendees from the business, public, voluntary and community sector joined the event, which was held virtually to comply with current COVID-19 restrictions.
Throughout the AGM, we asked attendees some poll questions. The results of the polls are here
A year of delivery and achievements
David Williams, Deputy Chair of the D2N2 LEP opened proceedings with a look back on the achievements of the organisation – both over the last year, as well as the cumulative results of the LEP’s investment since 2014.
The meeting heard how the LEP is on course for the delivery of its investment programme by 2030, which will directly create 29,000 new jobs, 10,800 new homes, and support 2000 learners.
Attendee’s heard how the LEP has supported the region’s Covid-19 response and economic recovery, as well as recent funding successes, including the LEPs £44 million allocation from the governments Getting Building Fund.
The LEP’s Annual Review, which sets out the organisation’s delivery, achievements and updates from last year, is available to view online here
Following David’s speech, members were asked to formally receive and adopt the accounts for 2019-2020 and to re-appoint D2N2’s auditors.
WATCH: David Williams
D2N2’s vision for recovery and growth
In her main address, Elizabeth Fagan CBE, Chair of the D2N2 LEP, set out a vision for the D2N2 region focusing on opportunities in clean growth and decarbonisation, as well as the continued investment in our region to support productivity and inclusive connectivity.
Looking ahead at future opportunities, she outlined the region’s ambitions to unlock the expertise, the creativity and the political backing to make our move to zero-carbon a reality based on three guiding principles: clean growth, productivity and connectivity.
In presenting D2N2’s new strategy for recovery and growth, she said: “As our economy retools and moves towards a carbon-free tomorrow, we have a strong vision for our region’s future. We plan to lead the most ambitious carbon economy turn-around in the country.”
The LEP’s recovery and growth strategy, which sets out the organisation’s vision and ambition for the future is available to view online here
WATCH: Elizabeth Fagan CBE
Insight and perspectives
Attendee’s then heard from three keynote speakers across both private and public sectors, who presented on a range of topics and experiences but with a common theme of sustainability and low carbon growth.
John Williams, Executive Chairman of Maritime, shared his experiences of leading one of the largest privately-owned intermodal transport operators in the UK, including their commitment to sustainability. He also spoke about the East Midlands Gateway and work with partners on an East Midlands Freeport.
WATCH: John Williams
Tim Freeman, Deputy Managing Director of Toyota UK, shared the opportunities and challenges for the transition to decarbonisation. He highlighted Toyota’s global green ambitions and what this could mean for the East Midlands.
WATCH: Tim Freeman
Councillor Simon Robinson, Leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council, outlined the councils’ carbon reduction activity and presented a Local government perspective on decarbonisation and moving towards low carbon future.
WATCH: Councillor Simon Robinson
Panel Discussion
Following her main address, Elizabeth was joined by D2N2’s Advisory Board Chairs David Williams, Professor Shearer West and Viv Russell. The panel responded to a wide range of questions submitted before the event, with a representative sample of questions answered during the session.
Key themes of the questions were:
- Investment opportunities across the region
- Skills development
- Business growth and job creation
- Inclusive growth and connectivity
WATCH: D2N2 Panel Discussion
D2N2 AGM 2020
Speaking after the event, D2N2 Chief Executive, Sajeeda Rose said: “We were pleased that so many people took the time to join us and hear about what has been achieved over the last twelve months, and our vision for our region’s economic recovery and growth.
“The past year should give us confidence that we can deliver life-changing opportunities. Through our funding we have unlocked infrastructure investments of over £139 million in the region’s economy, delivering over 10,00 jobs, 1,500 homes, supported 2000 learners and over 9000 business. Alongside this our £226 million of EU funded programmes continue to deliver life-changing projects across our region.
“Our ambition to build back stronger, bigger and faster will require existing and new partnerships spanning the public, private and third sectors. There has never been a more important time for us to come together with one voice behind an ambitious vision and plan to rebuild and grow our region.
“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.”
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