Leaders’ Summit: Shaping the future of the East Midlands

On Monday 3 February, regional leaders from across county, city, district, and borough councils gathered for the Leaders’ Summit in Nottingham. The event, hosted by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), brought together decision-makers to discuss strategic priorities and the future of the region.

Mayor of the East Midlands Claire Ward, the keynote speaker, shared her vision for a collaborative approach to regional development. She emphasised the importance of working together to shape the East Midlands’ future and provided insight into her key priorities for the region, including:

• Boosting tourism and heritage: elevate the region’s profile by celebrating its rich heritage through a broader cultural strategy.
• Inclusive growth: fostering economic growth in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.
• Climate resilience: addressing risks and exploring opportunities for sustainable development in the face of climate change.
• Improving transport: expanding and improving the region’s transport network to create a more connected, affordable system for residents, particularly young people.
• Affordable housing: delivering the homes communities need through retrofitting and tackling homelessness.

The summit also served as a platform for collaborative discussions on each of these themes. Facilitated by Max Wide of the Leadership Centre, delegates participated in five breakout sessions, hosted by EMCCA’s senior leadership team, each focused on one of Mayor Claire’s priorities. The goal of these discussions was to explore how the four upper-tier councils can work together to create a unified strategy that supports residents, businesses, and investment across the region.

The event’s theme centred on building a robust and adaptable system capable of thriving in its environment. Delegates also had the opportunity to provide feedback and engage in further conversations and feedback during the lunch break.

The Leaders’ Summit marks another important step in regional governance and collaboration.