Top line-up of speakers set to address LEP’s AGM

A top line-up of speakers is set to address the D2N2 LEP’s Annual Event and AGM, which will take place at Toyota Manufacturing UK’s Derbyshire plant tomorrow.

The event, which will be held inside Burnaston Hall, from 12noon to 2.30pm, will provide an insight into the LEP’s major programmes and achievements over the past year.

It will also give a forward look to the future, including an update on preparations for the new East Midlands Mayoral Combined County Authority.

And it will provide an update on the East Midlands Hydrogen initiative, following its successful launch in September.

Among the confirmed speakers will be the LEP’s chair Elizabeth Fagan and chief executive Will Morlidge.

Also speaking will be Mark Rogers interim chief officer of the East Midlands Devolution Programme, and Sally Brewis, head of regional development (East & London) at Cadent.

Ahead of the event, Elizabeth Fagan has been sharing her thoughts on the LEP’s achievements – and what the future holds.

She said: “Over the past 10 years, D2N2 LEP has achieved much for our region and our particular focus has been on low carbon, skills and careers, economic growth and inclusion.

“We have helped to fund many capital projects, such as SmartParc, a unique business park promoting low carbon advanced food manufacturing and the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (NAMRC) Midlands, that specialises in emerging nuclear technology areas and acts as a regional hub to help Midlands-based manufacturers enter, and win work in, the nuclear supply chain.”

Speaking about the LEP’s role in supporting preparations for EMCCA, which gained Royal Assent in October, she said: “Drawing on our experience of convening policies such as low carbon, economic growth, and people and skills strategy across our region, we’ve been playing a supporting role in the setting-up process.

“The new EMCCA will operate across the whole of the current D2N2 LEP footprint and, in the same way that the LEP currently does, will be in the unique and privileged position to act as a convener, and a strong unified voice across the region, and for the region.

“I really cannot emphasise enough how exciting and momentous the strategy and plans for East Midlands devolution are, and I’m confident that the LEP board, businesses, colleges and universities in our region will continue to play an active role in the devolved administration.

“I’m hugely excited about what lies ahead for our region.”

For more information and to register for the D2N2 Annual Event and AGM visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/d2n2-annual-event-and-agm-tickets-733329286637?aff=oddtdtcreator .