Backing devolution
The University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University, the University of Derby and the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce support devolution for our region.
East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles:
“Our region is home to a wide range of fantastic businesses, from industrial powerhouses with household names to university spin-outs that boast vast potential, and everything in between.
“What they now need is the political apparatus that removes any obstacles to national and local decision-making, enhances our ability to attract investment and ultimately creates a more business-friendly environment.
“This would help them 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 the East Midlands historically receiving the least funding per head of any UK region.
“What any new political structures will look like ultimately rests with our elected politicians, but businesses are increasingly becoming aware of the benefits of devolved decision-making powers in other regions like the West Midlands, Sheffield City Region and Tees Valley, whose experiences we can learn a lot from.
“For example, the public investment gap per capita between the East and West Midlands grew by 21% in the period since Andy Street was elected Mayor of the West Midlands.
“Our local political system needs to make sure we can address this imbalance and close these funding gaps, enabling us to create new economic opportunities that allow those of us who work, live and play in the East Midlands to prosper.”
Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby:
“We are delighted that the authorities within the East Midlands are working to secure a deal for a combined authority. This should provide an opportunity to present a compelling case to central government for more levelling up funding that can be spent strategically to improve productivity and the number of highly skilled jobs across the region. It will also enable universities, and other providers of skills, innovation and business support, to work collaboratively with a single group ensuring spend on regional development delivers the best value for money.”
Professor Edward Peck, Vice-Chancellor and President of Nottingham Trent University:
"Nottingham Trent University is focused on reimaging the role of our university within our local communities. We utilise our skills and our resources to create opportunities for economic, social, and cultural development, working in close collaboration with partners across the region.
We are confident that the creation of an East Midlands Mayoral Combined Authority will strengthen these partnerships, broadening the range of areas that are important to local people on which together we can make and implement key decisions.
In particular, NTU will relish the chance to take ever more innovative steps that will transform the provision of skills training for all residents within the Combined Authority. These will improve the financial prospects of individuals, support the economic viability of neighbourhoods, and enable existing and incoming businesses to thrive and grow.”
Professor Shearer West, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nottingham:
“As an institution that is committed to growth, investment, and success for the region that we are proud to call home, the University of Nottingham would be pleased to work with councils and partners across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire in the creation of the East Midlands Mayoral Combined Authority.
“We are particularly keen to support the research and innovation that leads to economic regeneration and provides the skills and knowledge to help businesses thrive and create the employment that people want and which our region needs.
“The University was pleased to support the application for a devolution deal for the East Midlands, with a significant contribution from our Honorary Professor of Economics, Andy Haldane, and looks forward to working with all levels of government to improve the lives of all communities in our region.
"A new combined authority for the East Midlands would strengthen the work which is already taking place between the public, private and higher education sectors, so that we can better work together to improve things for everyone who lives and works in the East Midlands.“
