D2N2 is the Local Enterprise Partnership for Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

Our vision is to make our area one of the strongest and most resilient economic regions in the UK.

Our purpose is to support and encourage economic growth in the D2N2 region.

Our ambition is to be one of the most respected LEPs, know for our professionalism and effectiveness.

The D2N2 Board met on 14th December 2012, to discuss progress on implementing the Nottinghamshire Enterprise Zone and its approach to managing the £17.46m Growing Places funding allocated to the partnership by Government.

Delivering the benefits of the Nottinghamshire Enterprise Zone is a priority for D2N2. The Zone is a crucial part of the Board’s plans for economic growth, and if successful, it will provide income for D2N2 to recycle into investments and project to further boost the local economy.

D2N2 will not allocate any of its Growing Places funding until it has fully considered the extent of investment needed to bring the Nottinghamshire Enterprise Zone to market. D2N2 have commissioned a board-led team, drawing on independent technical advice, to open discussions with Alliance Boots, the land owners for most of the Zone.

The Board have also asked for more information about other potential opportunities to use Growing Places funding to bring forward strategically important sites that realise economic benefits. D2N2 will make decisions on allocating the fund in the New Year.

The Coalition Government announced that the Regional Development Agencies, including emda, would be abolished in April 2012.

In order to ensure that business still receives the vital support, funding and assistance it requires, Business Secretary Vince Cable and Communities and Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles, invited proposals to be put forward for the formation of Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs). These organisations will be chaired by business in partnership with upper tier Local Authorities and Universities. 

The highest priority would be to build a powerful entity that can maximise the benefit for businesses in both counties, and develop a dynamic economy.

The Chamber's Board of Directors and both Members' Councils agreed to support the creation of the LEP for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire - click here to view the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership Proposal.

Following the Government announcement on 28 October 2010, the Coalition Government endorsed the new Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire LEP. The LEP's initial priorities are:

• Build on the area's reputation for internationally competitive science, manufacturing, engineering and creative industries, driving better productivity and growth as we develop a low carbon economy.
• Develop our distinctive cultural, sport and tourism offer to world class standards.
• Share the benefits of our economic growth across our cities, towns and rural communities.
• Meet employers' current and future skills demands through our highly rated and ambitious education partners.
• Secure investment in regeneration and infrastructure projects that stimulate private sector growth.

The remit of the Board is to determine the Local Enterprise Partnership's strategic priorities. The Board is a strong influential voice for the area and a conduit between Government and our area in this time of change, with a particular focus upon growth, digital infrastructure and a low carbon economy

Detailed information regarding the role of LEP's, its activities and additional aspects, such as the £1.4bn Regional Growth Fund, are covered in the White Paper, available in downloadable format