FEATURE


REGENERATING THE EAST MIDLANDS


and business premises in appropriate locations for firms wanting to expand, and a strategic approach to housebuilding in locations that are fully integrated with good transport links to economic centres. Other priorities highlighted by the report included the


availability of commercial property and utilities provision. The review was completed prior to the Covid-19


outbreak. Despite the significant changes in context since the


completion of the work, in February, many of the findings will still hold true as the UK emerges out of the period of economic turbulence caused by the pandemic. Despite the current economic uncertainty, the review


remains a foundational piece of work that will help decision-makers to understand the drivers, opportunities and barriers facing the economy. It provides clear and specific evidence on which to base


economic growth interventions in the Midlands. Just as importantly, it also provides an evidence base for ongoing dialogue with Government. The Midlands has a dynamic economy, with enormous


assets in its business base and across our many academic institutions. The review shines a light on these strengths and shows


what huge potential there is to build on. However, it also highlights the nature of some of the stubborn barriers to closing the gap in economic prosperity for the Midlands with the rest of the UK, and most acutely with London and the South East. It highlights key drivers of productivity that we need to


improve including transport and connectivity, skills, innovation and enterprise, availability of business finance and trading with the world, post-Brexit. Some of these barriers have been acknowledged


previously, the review reaffirms the size of the task at hand and provides a greater insight into what we need to do next. The review has already been used in briefings with Government, and it is therefore no coincidence that the


‘The Midlands is a region to be proud of. It’s a region of huge potential. And it’s a place that ten million people call home’


body of evidence produced supports the growing policy agenda of ‘levelling up’ ambitions across the UK. The Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Midlands Engine Champion and MP for Newark, said: “This report will be a vital resource for the region as it sets out its roadmap for unleashing the Midlands vast economic potential. “This Government is taking every step we can to help


ensure that the Midlands economy is protected during this national emergency. “As the Midlands Engine Champion around the Cabinet


table, I will continue working with the Midlands Engine Partnership and leaders across the region to ensure we level up and realise this region’s standing across the UK and globally.” Chairman of the Midlands Engine, Sir John Peace, added:


“The Midlands is a region to be proud of. It’s a region of huge potential. And it’s a place that ten million people call home. “This review and subsequent work undertaken by the


Observatory is a key illustration of the Midlands Engine partnership working together to address the challenges that our region faces and act together on the many opportunities that lie ahead. “Together we are stronger, together we will unlock the full potential of the Midlands.”


HCLG Secretary Robert Jenrick MP


44 business network June/July 2020


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