A strategy launched today (April 26), setting out Derby and Nottingham City Councils’ joint vision for their area up to 2030, has been backed by the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership.
The Derby-Nottingham Metro Strategy 2030, was launched at an event at Derby Market Place this morning (April 26), attended by invited senior business, local authority, community and other figures; including David Ralph, Chief Executive of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership. A public consultation on the draft Strategy was held from July to September 2016.
To read an online copy of the Strategy click HERE. To see a video of today’s launch event click HERE.
The Strategy document includes ambitions around:
Enterprise | Talent | City Living | Connectivity |
|---|---|---|---|
Promoting Derby and Nottingham worldwide, and supporting businesses to innovate and find new markets. | Ensuring a suitably skilled workforce, through education and training. | Supporting a modern urban lifestyle and vibrant city centres through leisure, culture and sport. | Improving accessibility through better transport links. |
On the latter point and to mark the Strategy’s launch bus travellers between Derby and Nottingham are being offered cheaper fares to attend top summer 2017 attractions in each city. The £1 saving on any Trentbarton route for people going to selected events will apply to upcoming attractions including Derby Festé (September 29 and 30) and the Dinosaurs of China exhibition at Wollaton Hall in Nottingham (July 1 to October 29).
Derby and Nottingham’s combined urban area is one of Europe’s top population centres and home to over a million people. It’s estimated that more than 40,000 people regularly commute between Derby and Nottingham.
The two cities already collaborate in a number of ways. In 2016 they worked together on a Department of International Trade-supported trade mission to China and again at the March 2017 global property show, MIPIM, held in Cannes, France.
As the private sector-led Local Enterprise Partnership covering Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, D2N2 works across those areas and closely with the two city councils, to promote economic and jobs growth.
Councillor Ranjit Banwait, Leader of Derby City Council, said: “Creating a heavyweight profile will bring prosperity for our cities, citizens and economy way beyond our boundaries. Whilst there is much common ground and many opportunities to benefit, we’re committed to preserving the unique identities of both Derby and Nottingham.”
Councillor Jon Collins, the Leader of Nottingham City Council, added: “The consultation clearly showed that the majority of people could see the benefits of the two cities working closely together. Our combined weight will enable us to strengthen our national presence and international reputation. This will be good for our cities, good for local people and good for the wider economy.”
David Ralph, Chief Executive of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “This Strategy is an exciting opportunity to highlight two great cities, which already demonstrate above national average achievements around jobs and growth. Together these cities will be able to go further; including by raising the East Midlands’ international profile.
“This is particularly important as we enter Brexit negotiations. It builds on D2N2’s previous work, in bringing together public and private sector parties to deliver growth, and will focus on achieving practical benefits for Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire communities.”
Following today’s Strategy launch, a special advisory group will be set-up to act as a sounding board for its future direction. It will be led by the Chairman of the Geldards LLP law firm (which has offices in both cities) David Williams, who is also a D2N2 LEP Board member.
Mr Williams said: “I have no hesitation in supporting this work, as it makes perfect sense for the two cities to come together. How effectively we work across organisations and sectors to get the most for local residents, employees and visitors will be a decisive factor in maintaining and growing our local prosperity and pride.”
More information about the Derby-Nottingham Metro Strategy 2030 and an online copy of it can be found at the web link HERE.
For more on the work of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership see its website at www.d2n2lep.org
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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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