Major of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, has unveiled the East Midlands Growth Plan 2025-2035, a bold new 10-year strategy to transform the region’s economy. It promises to create thousands of jobs, build more affordable homes and drive inclusive growth across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.
Reflecting on the East Midland’s history and the opportunities and challenges at play, James Bailey, Managing Partner at national chartered surveyor Bruton Knowles, shares his perspective on the new plans for the next ten years.
James joined Bruton Knowles in January 1999. As Managing Partner, he oversees the strategic and operational objectives of the company from its Nottingham hub, whilst managing key client contracts across the commercial, public sector and utilities industries.
James works closely with senior management to deliver strong performance, high professional standards and sustained growth. He played an instrumental role in the restructuring of Bruton Knowles over the last four years and the development of its National Teams, which offer clients a single point of contact for the delivery of an entire project to the highest possible standards.
James comments: “The plans outlined by Claire Ward seek to build on some of the region’s traditional strengths, namely in medical technology and advanced manufacturing particularly in aviation and railways, while recognising clean energy as a major emerging opportunity as we move away from coal towards renewables as a driver of growth.
“The East Midlands still faces specific challenges as it continues to recover from the long-term decline that followed the end of large-scale coal mining and, like the rest of the UK, the reduction in mass manufacturing. Both industries once provided an abundance of employment across a range of skill levels. Although regeneration of former coalfield sites has brought new industrial and residential development, the real challenge remains in sustainable job creation.
“It is estimated that regenerated coalfield sites have created up to 16,000 jobs. This is a fraction of the 187,000 people employed by the mining industry in 1984, and it explains why many communities across the region have never recovered.
“Putting education and skills at the core of this new growth plan as key drivers is the right move, particularly in high technology environments. While there is always a time lag between policy implementation and the emergence of a skilled workforce, long-term commitment and appropriate funding can make a real difference.
“While it is in strong competition with other UK regions to attract inward investment and create new employment opportunities; with its central location, strong transport links, and respected universities, the East Midlands is well positioned to succeed.”