The Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves has been banging the drum for Derby and the region with investors during a visit to the US.
The Chancellor was recently in Washington DC to host an Investors Roundtable during the IMF Spring Meetings.
She was joined by East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward, who was also in the US as part of the Bloomberg Harvard programme for Mayors, which provides executive training, coaching, and networking to help regional leaders tackle complex challenges, innovate and improve local services.
Together, they met with key investors and companies with a strong interest in driving investment in the UK.
In Washington, the Chancellor set out how she will go further and faster on her economic plan to build a stronger and more resilient economy by delivering stability, boosting investment and driving reform.
During her recent Mais Lecture, she set out how greater investment in regions outside of London and the South East will be one of the biggest growth opportunities for the country.
She also announced that the Government had set aside £10 million to support ‘Team Derby’ in maximising its investments.
Ms Reeves said: “The opportunities on offer in the East Midlands are huge.
“Whether it’s investing in the next generation of nuclear technology with Rolls-Royce, the developments at the freeport or the decision to place Great British Railway’s headquarters in Derby, this government is putting its weight behind the region, and there’s no doubt it’s an attractive destination for businesses from around the world to invest in.
“The East Midlands has the talent, ambition and vision – now with government and business working in partnership to back the East Midlands we will drive growth, boost jobs and put more money in people’s pockets.”
Mayor Claire, who is the figurehead of the East Midlands Combined County Authority, said: “The Chancellor clearly understands the potential of our brilliant region, and the message from the Government is clear: the East Midlands is building the future economy, today, and the opportunities are there to be realised.
“Ours is a region that powered the country and shaped industry all over the world.
“It is already a great place to live, work, and learn, but as Mayor, I have even higher ambitions and will work with partners, innovators and investors to achieve them.”
