June has highlighted the growing confidence and ambition across the East Midlands, with major developments in place leadership, clean energy, tourism, transport and public sector communications reinforcing the region’s role as a national centre for innovation and growth.
In Nottingham, long-serving planning leader Paul Seddon received an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for services to town planning. His recognition reflects more than three decades of public service and a significant contribution to Nottingham’s regeneration, investment and housing growth. Most recently, he has played a key role in supporting the city’s emerging Vision, helping shape long-term priorities for economic growth, connectivity and place.
The importance of strong leadership and effective communication was also evident at the LG Comms Academy, hosted in Nottingham and attended by communications professionals from local authorities across the UK. As councils prepare for local government reorganisation and wider public sector reform, the event highlighted the increasingly strategic role communications teams will play in helping residents, stakeholders and staff navigate change while maintaining trust and confidence in public services.
Across the region, the transition to a cleaner economy continues to gather pace. The STEP Fusion programme at West Burton has launched a new wave of procurement opportunities, creating tangible opportunities for businesses to become involved in one of the UK’s most significant energy projects. As work progresses towards the delivery of a prototype fusion power plant, the project is already strengthening supply chains and reinforcing the East Midlands’ position at the forefront of clean energy innovation.
Regional growth ambitions are also being supported through a renewed focus on tourism and visitor economy development. The East Midlands Combined County Authority has approved a new advisory board to guide Visit East Midlands, bringing together experienced regional leaders to help grow a sector that already attracts millions of visitors every year. The initiative supports wider ambitions within the East Midlands Growth Plan to increase economic output and raise the region’s profile nationally and internationally.
Connectivity remains a key part of that growth story. East Midlands Airport has reported continued increases in both passenger numbers and freight volumes, underlining its importance as a gateway for business, trade and tourism. Investment in customer experience, expanding route networks and growing cargo operations continues to strengthen the airport’s role as one of the region’s most significant economic assets.
Alongside these developments, public sector organisations are continuing to focus on the wellbeing of their communities. Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council have launched the Break the Silence on Suicide campaign, bringing partners together to tackle stigma and encourage earlier conversations around mental health. Developed through local insight and engagement with people with lived experience, the campaign demonstrates the value of collaborative public health communications in addressing some of society’s most complex challenges.
At BakerBaird Communications, June provided opportunities to contribute to conversations about leadership, resilience and change. BakerBaird MD Stuart Baird delivered a keynote at the Solace Wales Conference, where senior public sector leaders explored the future of local government and the importance of maintaining clear organisational purpose during periods of transformation. Director Stuart Baird also led discussions on strategic communications in an increasingly disrupted environment.
The month also marked a significant milestone, as BakerBaird celebrated its tenth anniversary. From a conversation in a Nottingham pub to an award-winning consultancy working with councils, public bodies and organisations across the UK, the anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on a decade of growth and to thank the clients, colleagues and partners who have been part of the journey.
As the East Midlands continues to evolve, June has demonstrated the strength of the region’s leadership, the scale of its ambitions and the growing opportunities emerging across business, public services and communities.