FOCUS FEATURE


WHAT AND WHERE IS THE EAST MIDLANDS?


Identity crisis? What identity crisis?


Could looking back help propel the East Midlands to new heights in its quest for global recognition? Business Network Editor Nathan Fearn looks at the East Midlands’ rich industrial heritage and asks whether the region is utilising its proud history enough.


Given the East Midlands’ illustrious cultural and industrial heritage, its world famous sons and daughters, its breathtaking landscape and its diversity, it’s ironic and perhaps unfair that it remains something of a paradox. That is to say that, in some quarters, the region’s identity


is called into question. On the face of it, it seems a harsh indictment of a proud area. From a macro perspective however, such opinions do, arguably, stand up to scrutiny. Culturally, if you think of the word ‘northerners’, you


think of identity. ‘Southerners’, likewise. Such identities are even embedded into the national psyche when it comes to popular culture; Coronation Street the former, Eastenders the latter, for example. But Midlanders? East Midlanders? Yes, identity exists. But


is it as strong? Having said that, is it even important when it comes to business and the region’s ability to sell itself? It is when you consider the huge drive to make the UK


and its regions and cities big players on the world stage. Liam Fox, Secretary of State for International Trade, has proclaimed that 2017 must be the year of exporting. For


34 business network March 2017


the East Midlands to engage with new markets and ultimately help businesses in its region grow and prosper, identity is crucial. Yes, innovative, outward-looking and forward-thinking


businesses will always flourish independently, but to achieve real success and prosperity for the region, the East Midlands must, as a single entity, become bigger than the sum of its parts. And for that, it needs identity. Can identity be created, manufactured? Is it all about the


here and now or can a region, indeed should a region, delve back into its proud and significant roots? Would doing so enable it to develop the foundations of a strong, powerful and lasting identity both nationally and internationally? First things first. One thing that can’t be disputed is the


region’s modern-day capability and prowess. From a business perspective, the region is a powerhouse.


The Midlands as a whole has an economy worth over £200bn, generating 13% of the UK’s Gross Value Added (GVA). It is responsible for almost a quarter of the UK’s total manufacturing capability. About 4.6 million people


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