Insider Media Limited

The East Midlands is waking up as the host of four new LEPs this morning. With only one bid, Northamptonshire, having been unsuccessful, the region has emerged as one of the most triumphant in the country. Despite the recent controversy surrounding the Leicester and Leicestershire bid, Martin Traynor, the chief executive of Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce, told Insider that the region was "the right economic base for an effective LEP".

Bids from Leicester and Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and city councils and the South East Midlands were all successful. Throughout the country, 24 LEP proposals were accepted.

Despite the recent confusion between the region’s LEP proposals, whereby the leader of Leicestershire County Council approached the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire bidders to discuss a potential merge, both the Leicestershire and Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire proposals were accepted.

Martin Traynor, the chief executive of Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce, told Insider: “We are absolutely delighted that the government has accepted our joint bid to form an LEP. The Chamber firmly believe that the geographical area of Leicester and Leicestershire is the right economic base for an effective LEP, and coupled with our longstanding relationship with the local authority colleagues, we believe that we can make a real difference to our local economy.”

The leaders of the bid presented by Derby, Nottingham and their county councils have already outlined their priorities for the partnership. These include developing the region’s cultural, sport and tourism offer to world class standards.

Those spearheading the bid also said they wanted to share “the benefits of our economic growth across our cities, towns and rural communities” and “secure investment in regeneration and infrastructure projects that stimulate private sector growth”.

Ian Morgan, president of the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “On behalf of the business sectors in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, I am delighted that these proposals have been approved by government.

“The proposed local enterprise partnership not only shows a real commitment to promote innovation and drive economic growth across both counties, but also demonstrates the strength of partnership working and the willingness of public and private sector organisations to work together to achieve common goals which will benefit all.”

Northamptonshire County Council did not respond to Insider's requests for a comment.