Business leaders gathered in Derby this week as the East Midlands set out its investment case ahead of a major UK property and infrastructure summit.
More than 180 representatives from business, investment and local government attended a launch event at the Museum of Making on 6 May. The session introduced the region’s priorities and upcoming programme for the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum.
The forum, held at the Royal Armouries Museum and New Dock in Leeds from 19 to 21 May, is expected to attract more than 16,000 delegates, including around 3,500 investors and developers. It focuses on linking investment with regeneration and long-term growth projects across the UK.
At the Derby launch, regional leaders outlined plans to present the East Midlands as a coordinated investment destination. The programme will be delivered through the Team East Midlands Pavilion, where local authorities and partners will promote key development opportunities.
A central feature will be a main stage session highlighting the region’s investment pipeline, infrastructure links and sector strengths. The presentation is intended to demonstrate readiness for large-scale projects and provide detail on delivery timelines and opportunities.
The opening event at the pavilion will bring together leaders from Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire to present a joint approach to economic development. The focus will be on aligning infrastructure, innovation and skills to support investment across the region.
Further sessions will spotlight specific projects, including Nottingham’s Trent Sports District, clean energy developments described as a regional “supercluster”, and regeneration opportunities in Derby and Chesterfield.
The East Midlands Combined County Authority is using the forum to position the region as a coordinated and investment-ready market, with an emphasis on collaboration between local authorities and industry.