Events - 03 February 2016

Future of Nottingham’s economy event hears from D2N2 Chief Executive

Businesses, media, local government, universities and the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) discussed and debated the future of Nottingham’s economy at a major business event this morning (February 3).

Around 100 business and other representatives took part in the Nottingham Economic Forum – organised and run by the Insider Media business magazine – at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Nottingham, from 7.30am to 9.30am.

David Ralph, Chief Executive of the D2N2 LEP (Pictured, far left) – a private sector-led partnership which promotes economic growth and jobs creation across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire – was invited to be part of a panel debating, amongst other things, the impact of the planned North Midlands Devolution (the devolving of central government powers and budgets to local control) and what it could mean for the Nottingham area, as well as the wider region.

Today’s panellists also included:

Questions put to the panel, by Insider Media’s Business Editor Ian Griffin and members of the audience, covered such topics as support for SMEs, the workplace parking levy in Nottingham City, transport links, inward investment, the marketing of Nottingham as an area to do business and Devolution.

On SME growth, David Ralph said: “Growth is about growing high growth businesses, but I want to see small businesses, the core of Nottingham’s economy, be supported as well.”

Ian Curryer added: “We’ve got great global businesses here, but our economy is built on SMEs.”

Professor Sir David Greenaway, elaborated on this point further, by discussing the University of Nottingham’s work with both small and overseas businesses, particularly highlighting the University of Nottingham’s links with China.

Perhaps the most discussed issue at this morning’s event was Devolution and in particular, how it would impact Nottingham.

David Ralph said: “There is no silver bullet for growth and skills, this is about working harder, faster and better. Nottingham’s time is now, but business engagement in the plan is vital. Devolution and the Midlands Engine will deliver direct benefits into the Midlands.

He added: “If you have a strong and growing economy, it raises the area’s quality of life. Devolution is all about bringing in local levers to achieve this faster.”

A proposed North Midlands Devolution Deal document – setting out the final negotiating position of the local authorities, business organisations and business leaders behind the bid – was published earlier this year (January 5).

To find out more about the D2N2 LEP, click here

To find out more about Insider Media, click here

To read a copy of the draft document, click here

For more information about this media release please contact D2N2 Social Media and Marketing Officer Sam Burbage on 01159 578254 or by email sam.burbage@d2n2lep.org

Latest News & Events

19 July 2024

Local business support boosted with launch of Early Stage Angel Investment Fund

Read Article

21 June 2024

Spotlight on our Board: Scott Knowles, Chief Executive, East Midlands Chamber, on the D2N2 LEP transition and East Midlands devolution

Read Article

11 June 2024

The D2N2 LEP staff team joins the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA)

Read Article

07 June 2024

Becky Rix, Marketing Director at Roadgas, explains why Roadgas is a proud member of the East Midlands Hydrogen Consortium

Read Article

05 June 2024

Spotlight on our Board: D2N2 LEP Board Member Natasha Johnson, Director of Partnerships at Global Entrepreneurs UK

Read Article

05 June 2024

Free Expert Business Advice and Support available through East Midlands Chamber’s Accelerator Programme

Read Article

03 June 2024

Spotlight on our Board: D2N2 LEP Board Member Professor Edward Peck CBE, Vice-Chancellor and President, Nottingham Trent University

Read Article

24 May 2024

Focus on the East Midlands: our time is NOW!

Read Article

24 May 2024

D2N2 LEP CEO, Will Morlidge, shares our East Midlands Hydrogen ambitions at UKREiiF

Read Article

24 May 2024

East Midlands Freeport and Freeport East Sign Green Freight Corridor Initiative at UKREiiF

Read Article

Get in touch.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Sign up
Address

D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership
8 Experian Way
Nottingham
Nottinghamshire
NG2 1EP

Social

Our Partners