Latest News | 24 November 2020
Derby stars at Midlands UK Forum for Growth
Major investment opportunities across Derby and Derbyshire have taken centre stage on the opening day of the inaugural Midlands UK Forum for Growth.
Earlier today, Councillor Matthew Holmes, Derby City Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for regeneration, planning and transportation, along with the city council’s chief executive, Paul Simpson, delivered an online presentation, called Investing in Derby – UK Capital for Innovation, which can be viewed below.
With the help of a new three-minute film and Investment Prospectus, they outlined 17 key investment opportunities in Derby, worth over £1.2 billion with the potential to create 8,000 jobs.
Speaking on the presentation, Councillor Holmes said: “Despite the immense challenges that Covid has enforced upon us all, Derby City’s message is one of ambition, rooted in reality – and most importantly that Derby delivers a return on your investment.
“Covid will not stop us. It has made us even more determined to deliver and help facilitate investment and economic success.”
The Midlands UK Forum for Growth is a three-day event, which is being held entirely online.
Hosted by the Midlands Engine Partnership and organised by Movers and Shakers, its aim is to bring together key stakeholders to help achieve the region’s vision for growth and economic prosperity.
Each day has been given a theme. Today centred around growth, while tomorrow will focus on collaboration and the final day will be all about what the future holds.
Today featured a number of investment pitches, including Derby’s impressive portfolio of opportunities, which are all included in a new 26-page online Investment Prospectus.
In Derby’s pitch, Mr Simpson said: “Our authority and partners stand shoulder-to-shoulder behind the ambitions laid out in the Investment Prospectus.
“These are not pipe dreams, they are genuinely transformational schemes to invest in Derby.
“They all seek a public/private funding mix, they have the support of our broader partnership and they are rooted in the reality of our post-Covid economy and challenges.”
Derby Investment Prospectus 2020
Derby and Derbyshire will be represented on the remaining two days of the event.
Tomorrow, Nicola Swaney, education outreach manager at Marketing Derby Bondholder Rolls-Royce, will be part of a panel discussion called Skills and Education – Building a Brighter Future.
Speaking about her forthcoming appearance at the event, Nicola said: “I am delighted to be speaking on the panel.
“At Rolls-Royce, we are passionate about inspiring the next generation to achieve their full potential and consider STEM careers.
“I look forward to sharing my thoughts on how we can help to do that in Derby and across the Midlands.”
Also on tomorrow’s schedule is Rachel North, strategic director for communities and place at Derby City Council. She will present a pitch for the 100-acre Infinity Park Derby enterprise zone.
And, finally, on Thursday, Councillor Barry Lewis, leader of Derbyshire County Council and cabinet member for strategic leadership, culture and tourism, will be part of a key panel discussion called Revitalising the Visitor Economy, promoting one of the county's key sectors.
To find out more about the Midlands UK Forum for Growth and the timetable for the remaining two days visit midlandsukforumforgrowth.co.uk.
To view Derby’s three-minute video and Investment Prospectus please click here.
