The Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, met with the Under-Secretary for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Alex Norris MP, in Derby yesterday (Thursday, 7 November).
Mayor Claire and Minister Norris visited Infinity Park in Derby, one of the three Investment Zone sites across the East Midlands.
A total of £160 million has been approved to support growth for the East Midlands Investment Zone (EMIZ), with the funding spread over 10 years across three sites: Infinity Park in Derby, Hartington-Staveley in Chesterfield, and The Explore Park in Worksop.
The East Midlands Investment Zone will boost growth and jobs, focusing on green industries and advanced manufacturing, and will be managed by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA). It is anticipated that the Investment Zone could attract £383 million of private investment and help create 4,300 jobs in the region.
During yesterday’s visit to Infinity Park, the Mayor and the Minister stopped by the University of Derby Nuclear Skills Academy to view the training centre, where up to 200 apprentices a year are qualifying with skills for the nuclear industry.
They also visited the Rolls-Royce Engine Factory for a tour of the production facility and to examine its links with advanced manufacturing in the area.
Mayor Claire said:
“The East Midlands Investment Zone will help us turbocharge our economy, attracting major investment and creating opportunities for businesses and residents, as well as thousands of high-quality new jobs and apprenticeships for local people.
“Having three sites in the East Midlands is a massive opportunity to work together regionally to deliver more opportunities for people and businesses here. This will help make the East Midlands the best region in the country to live, work, and learn.
“It was great to visit Infinity Park today. Derby is an advanced manufacturing powerhouse, home to world-leading industry, and having one of the East Midlands Investment Zone sites located here is great news for the city and its surrounding areas.”
Local Growth Minister Alex Norris said:
“Growth is a key mission for the government, which is why we are giving Investment Zones the backing they need, including right here in the East Midlands.
“Today at Infinity Park Derby, I have seen the fantastic work being done to boost skills and innovation in green industries, creating amazing opportunities for local people and helping drive our economy forward.”
Infinity Park Derby is located to the south of the city, next to the world headquarters of Rolls-Royce Civil Aerospace, with Toyota Manufacturing (UK), Bombardier, and JCB all nearby.
The three East Midlands Investment Zone (EMIZ) sites include tax benefits for new companies at the sites. Both Hartington-Staveley and Infinity Park will also benefit from Business Rate Retention, which will help boost economic growth, with income raised from business rates reinvested locally to create thousands of high-quality jobs.
The £160 million will also provide funding and grants for investment proposals and business cases, developing new technologies, skills, and training, as well as research, innovation roadmaps, and pilot projects.
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