October 2022: regional growth update

We’re committed to ensuring your voice is heard in your region, and that real, practical change can be driven to boost productivity and prosperity. To do this, the CBI sits on business groups across Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCAs) and Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) in the regions, making sure that businesses voice is central to their plans to drive growth across all English regions.

This monthly update gives the latest news from across the regions focused on the CBI Seize the Moment Priorities; to achieve net zero, driving innovation, putting business at the heart of UK trade policy shaping a more agile skills system, and instilling a culture of valuing health more as a nation.  

Latest headlines 

• Areas have been urged to 'go for growth' as Investment Zone applications open. The government has had discussions with 38 councils. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) is now inviting expressions of interest from those initial places and all other Mayoral Combined Authorities or Upper Tier Local Authorities and Freeports across the UK by Friday 14 October. 
• Changes are expected to be made to the levelling up and regeneration bill to reflect a focus on ‘growth’. While elements enabling county deals is expected to remain, the ‘regeneration’ element could be set for an overhaul in light of the Chancellor’s recent statement.

Decarbonisation

• Midlands: A Nottinghamshire site has been selected to host the UK Atomic Energy Authority's prototype fusion power station in a move expected to create 600 jobs in the region, as well as thousands more in construction and the supply chain.
• Yorkshire and Humber: Humber 2030 Vision brochure will have been published. First output from the Humber Cluster Demonstrator. A collaboration between CBI – with input from about a dozen members (including Drax, Equinor, Phillips 66, Orsted, ABP) - and the Humber Energy Board, Marketing Hum