Leaders issue rallying call to investors at London Embassy

Civic leaders have issued a rallying call to potential investors to come forward and be part of Derby’s transformation.

At Marketing Derby’s recent London Embassy event, held in the stunning surroundings of Mansion House, leaders at both local and regional level, called on investors to find out more about the exciting opportunities that exist in the city.

The London Embassy saw more than 200 attendees, including investors, come together to hear about the investment momentum and regeneration plans for Derby – the UK’s Capital for Innovation.

Among the keynote speakers was Claire Ward, who earlier this year became the first ever elected East Midlands Mayor.

Claire, who is the figurehead of the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), used the opportunity to explain how devolution will help turbocharge the vision to deliver better skills, jobs and opportunities for the region.

And during her speech she welcomed recent confirmation by the Chancellor of £160 million to establish an East Midlands Investment Zone, which includes Derby’s Infinity Park.

She said: “We have a lot to work with in our region – fantastic businesses, great international global names like Rolls-Royce, Toyota, Alstom, Boots – and the SME community.

“We also have huge talent in our people – in our universities and in our communities – which needs to be unleashed.

“So, I’m equally delighted that in the last Budget the Chancellor announced that we will have our funding for the East Midlands Investment Zone.

“Rolls-Royce sits at the heart of one of those at Infinity Park, as does the Nuclear Skills Academy.”

And she said she will be working with partners – including Marketing Derby – to attract more overseas investment to the region.

She said: “Over the next few years, we will be working with you and all of our partners, and particularly with Marketing Derby, to encourage even greater international investment.

“Our role is to highlight the East Midlands – to show that devolution can work for us – and that we can indeed be a greater sum than our parts.

“Derby is at the heart of everything we will do in that. I look forward to working with you to make the East Midlands the best region to live in, to work in and to learn in.”

Attending her first London Embassy as leader of Derby City Council, Councillor Nadine Peatfied, who was recently made Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands, shared the story of a “city on the rise”.

She outlined why 2025 was shaping up to be a “pivotal year” for Derby, with major regeneration and public realm projects taking place, many of which have been made possible thanks to investment “that has been achieved in partnership”.

She talked about the £35 million revamp of the Market Hall and the importance of the regeneration of Becketwell, including the new £45 million Becketwell Live performance venue, which is due to open next year.

And she also talked about the city’s continuing evolution, following the recent launch of Rail Campus Derby, which will bring further opportunities for new investment.

Nadine said: “Derby is a city on the rise, brimming with ambition and a bold vision for our future which we are determined to make a reality.

“We’re a city of innovators, of pioneers. We’re resilient, progressive and we are always evolving.

“But it’s not all about bricks and mortar – Derby is about people. Team Derby is not just a concept, it’s a force to be reckoned with.

“With Team Derby as a part of EMCCA – and importantly, EMCCA as a part of Team Derby – we are a collaborative powerhouse for change.

“To investors, I say, come and talk to us. We have a compelling story to tell. We know the potential that Derby has. I invite you to join us, to shape the future of Derby.”