The East Midlands is proving month after month that collaboration, strategic vision, and hard work deliver real impact. From clean energy hubs and major infrastructure projects to civic regeneration and regional tourism partnerships, local authorities and business leaders are driving progress at pace.
At BakerBaird we work closely with public sector and regional partners to share these stories, articulate strategic vision, and build meaningful public engagement.
Here is our roundup of the key stories shaping the East Midlands agenda in October 2026.
Rail capital boost: Great British Railways chooses Derby HQ
Derby’s status as Europe’s rail capital has been firmly cemented with confirmation that Great British Railways (GBR) will establish its national headquarters at Becketwell in Derby city centre. Accommodating up to 450 staff and bringing an estimated £151 million economic boost to the region, GBR will serve as the overarching public body for Britain’s railways. Positioned at the heart of a rail cluster that employs 11,000 people, Derby is set to play a lead role in shaping the future of UK transport.
STEP Fusion pumps investment into regional supply chains
The STEP Fusion programme at West Burton in Nottinghamshire, supported by £1.3bn in Government funding, is rapidly expanding its economic footprint.
A new annual report highlights that 49 local suppliers are already engaged with the clean energy site. Additionally, new partnerships with INFINITY in Derby, Tokamak Energy’s Ridgway Machines in Leicester, and construction partner ILIOS demonstrate how STEP is strengthening supply chains across engineering, digital tech, and professional services to establish the region as a green energy power station.
Rolls-Royce commits £140m to Derby civil aerospace
Manufacturing giant Rolls-Royce has announced a £140m investment into new engineering and manufacturing facilities at its Derby Civil Aerospace campus. Part of a broader £300m UK investment programme due for completion in 2028, the project will expand capacity for Trent large commercial aircraft engines, cementing Derby’s global manufacturing reputation.
£1bn tourism boost target for East Midlands
East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward has officially launched Visit East Midlands, a unified regional tourism partnership spanning Chatsworth, Sherwood Forest, Wollaton Hall, and world-class sports venues. Building on a visitor economy that already generates £5.48bn annually, the partnership aims to grow visitor spend by £1 billion by 2035, attracting domestic and international visitors while securing major national events.
£11m investment planned for Nottingham’s civic heart
Nottingham City Council has revealed plans for an £11.6 million restoration of the Grade II* listed Council House ahead of its centenary, addressing roofing and stonemasonry. This sits alongside a planned £3.5 million transformation of Old Market Square, featuring new trees, green space, and water features to create a greener, more welcoming public realm.
Greater Lincolnshire’s economic ambitions
Over 1,000 business leaders and investors gathered at Lincolnshire Showground for the Great Exhibition, opened by Dame Andrea Jenkyns, Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire. Under the banner ‘Feed, Power and Protect the Nation’, the showcase highlighted Greater Lincolnshire’s vital role in national food security, energy generation, and defence innovation.
And finally… Supporting local talent
At BakerBaird, we believe supporting our local communities is just as vital as supporting major investment drives. We were delighted to sponsor the drinks reception at The Television Workshop’s Great Notts Ball. The BAFTA-winning Nottingham charity has launched careers for stars like Bella Ramsey, Vicky McClure, and Samantha Morton while providing subsidised and free training to young people from all financial backgrounds. Led by Executive Artistic Director Ali Rashley, the Workshop continues to make Nottingham a beacon for creative talent.
How BakerBaird Communications can help
BakerBaird is not your typical PR agency. We are passionate about the public sector and regional regeneration. We understand the complex policy landscapes, media dynamics, and community consultation needs facing local authorities, combined authorities, and partners across the UK.
Whether you need strategic public affairs advice, crisis communications, or impactful campaign delivery, we help turn complex regional growth stories into compelling content.
Interested in working with us? Read more about our client work and case studies on our homepage or get in touch with our team today.