East Midlands investment ambitions highlighted ahead of UKREiiF
The East Midlands ambition to become one of the UK’s most attractive investment destinations was showcased to business leaders and developers at the launch of the region’s UKREiiF programme earlier this month.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, and East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) Chief Executive, Amy Harhoff, welcomed businesses, investors and civic representatives from across the region to Derby’s Museum of Making on Wednesday, 6th May 2026.
More than 140 delegates attended the event to learn more about Team East Midlands’ vision and priorities ahead of the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF), which attracts more than 16,000 delegates and 3,500 investors and developers, and aims to connect “people, places and business” to drive regeneration and sustainable growth. It takes place at the Royal Armouries Museum and New Dock, Leeds, Tuesday, 19th May to Thursday, 21st May 2026.
Mayor Claire Ward said:
“The East Midlands is a region of real strength and opportunity. We have established industries, emerging sectors, and a clear, shared ambition to drive inclusive growth for all our communities.
“UKREiiF is an event where we can show how serious we are to potential partners, businesses, and stakeholders, because they will be there too, keen to learn about what we have to offer and how they can be part of it.
Mayor Claire Ward added:
“Government at all levels can create the conditions for growth, but we know it is our people and businesses who deliver it. Our region will translate increased investment into good jobs, quality homes, and stronger infrastructure: everything we need for a robust economy.”
The launch event outlined EMCCA’s wider regional priorities and highlighted a collaborative approach to driving investment, regeneration and economic growth across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.
This year’s Team East Midlands Pavilion at UKREiiF will showcase major development opportunities, regeneration schemes and investment sites from across our region.
Highlights include discussions around Nottingham’s Trent Sports District, the Supercluster clean energy initiative, and investment opportunities in Derby and Chesterfield.
Among the priorities being highlighted is the Canal Corridor, which has been identified within EMCCA’s Vision for Growth as a major strategic regeneration opportunity for Chesterfield and Staveley.
Destination Chesterfield and Chesterfield Borough Council will attend UKREiiF, showcasing Chesterfield’s investment opportunities.
The Canal Corridor has the potential to deliver 3,900 new homes, 7,800 jobs and £473 million in annual GVA, helping to strengthen connectivity between communities, innovation sites and emerging clean energy clusters across the East Midlands.
Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said:
“Chesterfield is a place with real momentum. We’ve made significant progress in recent years, and our focus now is on building on that success to create a borough where businesses, communities and investors can grow with confidence.
UKREiiF is an important platform for us to highlight the strengths that make Chesterfield such an attractive place to invest, from our skilled workforce and excellent connectivity to the strong partnerships that drive our regeneration plans. We’re looking forward to meeting delegates who share our ambition and want to be part of the next chapter in Chesterfield’s growth.”
Andrew Byrne, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, commented:
“Chesterfield is bringing forward an investment pipeline of around £2 billion, supported by a diverse range of development‑ready sites across the borough.
From major regeneration zones to employment land and mixed‑use opportunities, the scale of what’s available reflects the confidence investors already have in the town. UKREiiF gives us the platform to highlight these opportunities and demonstrate how partners can play a role in delivering the next phase of Chesterfield’s growth.
An event showcasing Chesterfield’s £2 billion regeneration story will take place in the East Midlands Pavilion at UKREiiF on Thursday, 21st May, from 10.30 until 11.30.
To register your interest and find out more, visit: www.ticketsource.com/destination-chesterfield/chesterfields-2-billion-regeneration-story-bringing-the-east-midlands-canal-corridor-to-life
For more details about Team East Midlands’ UKREiiF programme, see www.eastmidlands-cca.gov.uk/ukreiif-2026
