Commenting on the announcement that a devolution deal has been agreed with Government for an East Midlands Mayoral County Combined Authority (MCCA) across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “Our region is home to a wide range of fantastic businesses, from large industrial powerhouses to innovative university spin-outs, and everything in between.
“What they now need is the political apparatus that removes obstacles to decision-making, enhances our ability to attract investment and ultimately creates a more business-friendly environment.
“The announcement of a devolution deal for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire provides a huge opportunity in this respect. It will help these counties to take strides forward in productivity and innovation, enabling firms to drive the economic growth that creates jobs and wealth locally.
“For too long, our region has lagged behind when it comes to being backed by central Government, with our recent analysis in partnership with East Midlands Councils highlighting how the region ranked either bottom or near the bottom for spending on transport, health, education, social protection and economic affairs.
“It’s reassuring to know many of these themes are covered by the East Midlands MCCA and that businesses will be represented within its governance structure. Following today’s announcement, it’s essential Government remains open to additional proposals for innovative structures that enable Leicester and Leicestershire to also optimise investment from the centre for local deployment.
“This is an exciting time for our region and we look forward to hearing more about how our local political system evolves to not only close the present funding gaps and imbalances, but drives the growth that allow all those who live, work and play in the East Midlands to prosper.”
