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DEVOLUTION
Devolution in the East Midlands – let’s make the most of it says D2N2 CEO The new combined county authority (EMCCA) will operate within the same footprint as D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) – an area with 2.2 million residents – and the D2N2 LEP team and functions will transition into it during 2024. Here is what D2N2 LEP chief executive Will Morlidge (pictured) has to say. t’s such an exciting time for the East Midlands right now. Now that EMCCA has gone live, the momentum is increasing, and we’re gearing up for the election of the very first East Midlands mayor on 2 May. D2N2 is supporting the setting up of the new combined authority, building on our work over the past ten years. I’ve always been an advocate for working as a team to get the optimum outcome for our region. We have some unique organisations in our patch – East Midlands Freeport is the only inland freeport in the UK, we have the East Midlands Development Company, the East Midlands Institute of Technology, Midlands Connect – and with EMCCA set up and our new mayor coming soon, we’ve got a great opportunity for Team East Midlands to shine. For me it’s all about inclusive growth. EMCCA will be in a unique position to convene key players to focus on reducing inequality, promoting social mobility and ensuring that those, young and old, who are facing barriers to sustained employment, get the support they need into fulfilling careers.
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‘I believe the East Midlands is on the cusp of a very exciting future’ Business support should be inclusive of underserved and under-represented groups, such as female-led businesses. That’s why we’ve signed the Charter for Inclusive Entrepreneurship, developed by Dr Lorna Treanor at Nottingham University, that provides a framework for developing an inclusive enterprise support ecosystem, through a partnership approach. Another key priority is transitioning industry to sustainable green energy solutions. East Midlands Hydrogen, a partnership that I co-chair, now has over 60 members in all aspects of the hydrogen value chain. Our consortium is set to become the UK’s largest 74
business network April 2024
inland hydrogen cluster and will accelerate the development of, and attract investment to, the rapidly growing hydrogen ecosystem in our region. Alongside hydrogen, our region is also a leader in nuclear capability and research, with the Nuclear AMRC, the Nuclear Skills Academy in Derby, a partnership between Rolls-Royce Submarines and the University of Derby and the STEP prototype fusion energy plant in Nottinghamshire. To stimulate growth, as well as the Freeport, I’m delighted that the complementary East Midlands Investment Zone has been given the green light. It will focus on advanced manufacturing and green industries across the EMCCA region. Supported by anchor businesses Rolls-Royce
and Laing O’Rourke, this investment zone has the potential to be a game-changer for sustainable growth and is a testament to the strength of the world-leading businesses we are fortunate to have in our region. I’m looking forward to us showcasing Team East Midlands at the UK’s premier Real Estate infrastructure and investment forum (UKREiif) in May, where we’ll be working closely with EMCCA, the East Midlands freeport, the East Midlands Development Corporation, our councils, investment agencies and the Midlands Engine to put the East Midlands in the spotlight, showcasing the wealth of investment opportunities and huge potential for the East Midlands resulting from our devolution deal. The new mayor will be the keynote speaker at