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Businesses can look to 2011 “with optimism”, said Ian Morgan, the president of the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce. Morgan also warned that the region’s businesses cannot afford to be complacent and must “adapt and innovate” in the New Year.

He said that the region should think positive about 2011 after a year of “slow but steady” private sector growth.

However, he warned that in light of government spending cuts, companies must continue to adapt, innovate, explore new markets and exploit fresh opportunities.

In his Christmas and New Year message to business, Morgan said: “The economy here in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire has seen slow but steady growth throughout the course of 2010, which will give local businesses a solid base on which to build as we move into 2011.

“Over the past 18 months, local businesses have proved time and again that they are resilient, pragmatic, flexible and innovative and I am confident that this will continue into 2011 and beyond, as business continues to drive the recovery.

“For this to happen, the Chamber has called on government to designate 2011 as a year for growth and focus all of its efforts on enabling the private sector to create the employment, wealth and economic activity needed to sustain and secure the recovery. Any obstacles which stifle growth or hamper businesses in their efforts to create jobs, invest and export must be removed.”