1284 was invited to facilitate an invitation-only business debate on ways to support acceleration of devolution in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Regional engagement body Leicestershire Business Voice invited 1284 founder and Managing Director to moderate an expert panel during the special dinner in Loughborough.

It comes at a pivotal moment for the region, with East Midlands Chamber data showing how funding for skills, infrastructure, and business support is flowing into neighbouring areas. 

As summarised by 1284 Account Director in an article for the Chamber’s latest Business Network magazine, LLR is currently being impacted due to not yet having combined authority status.

The LBV dinner, at Loughborough’s Burleigh Court hotel and sponsored by RandalSun Capital, saw George facilitate a discussion between around 30 senior representatives spanning industry, academia, and the VCSE sector. 

It focused on how business can play a more active role in supporting local and national government in accelerating regional devolution and giving LLR parity with its neighbours.

George drew on insights from delegates and an expert panel including:

• Andy Reed OBE, Chair, LLR Business Board
• Dr Nik Kotecha OBE DL, founder, RandalSun Capital 
• Scott Knowles DL, CEO, East Midlands Chamber
• Eileen Perry MBE DL, Vice-Chair East Midlands Chamber, and Managing Director, ER Recruitment
• Professor Daniel Ladley, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean of the School of Business, University of Leicester.

The session explored progress being made in areas including the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) and the West Midlands Combined Authority, as well as briefings from Mr Reed about work happening behind the scenes at the Leicester and Leicestershire Business and Skills Partnership.

George - who was also unveiled during the event as one of LBV’s new ambassadors - said: “There was strong engagement from around the room in what is clearly a fundamental topic for businesses in LLR.

“A common theme raised was the need for a clear business position and voice, meaning that industry can support local authorities in driving devolution forward as quickly as possible.

“It was agreed that working collaboratively with local government on activities such as refreshing the area’s existing Local Plan will arm incoming regional authority leaders with what they need to succeed from the earliest stage.”

Data from the evening was stored and will now be developed by LBV into a clear position and series of requests that can then be taken back to local authorities.