The D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has set up a new Manufacturing Advisory Panel to support and accelerate the growth, productivity, and competitiveness of the manufacturing economy in the Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
The D2N2 LEP estimates the manufacturing sector employs over 125,000 people and generates ÂŁ7.2bn into the region’s economy – ranking third outside London and the South-East – and has the largest cluster of transport manufacturing and R&D in the country.
The LEP will be working with local manufacturing business leaders, the region’s universities, local authorities, and business organisations including Make UK to champion and strengthen manufacturing across region and improve our regional economic performance retaining our excellence in sectors including aerospace, automotive, food and drink, medical and rail.
Primary objectives of the panel include developing an action plan for competitive and sustainable manufacturing, and co-ordinating, facilitating and forging closer links between academia and industry with a focus on supporting businesses to adopt new digital innovation and disruptive technologies and embrace  low carbon growth.
The panel will also forge strong connections at a national level, particularly with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), and Innovate UK.