Foreword

“The announcement that Derby is the third fastest growing city-economy in the UK comes as little surprise. We’ve always known that we’re a city with a strong economic base and we’re proud of the many successful businesses that call Derby home.

Nevertheless, we cannot afford to rest on our laurels. We want to capitalise on our inherent strengths, address our weaknesses and for the Council to take a more strategic role in shaping the future of our local economy.

The Derby Economic Growth Strategy builds on the progress made over the last five years in addressing skills shortages and nurturing innovation. Compared to 2012, total employment in Derby has risen by 5.4 per cent, productivity has grown by 10 per cent and business density has increased by an impressive 18 per cent.

What is more, we’re on-track to exceed our target of creating 2000 jobs and apprenticeships for Derby people by 2019. We’re a city on the up.

The strategy is divided into four objectives, focusing on local, regional, national and international strands. It has been developed with key partners and feeds into wider initiatives such as the D2N2 Strategic Economic Plan, the Midlands Engine and the Government’s Industrial Strategy.

We confidently embark on the next five years of growth in the knowledge that this strategy is owned and supported by our residents and stakeholders.”

Councillor Chris Poulter
Leader, Derby City Council

Councillor Matthew Holmes
Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Public Protection