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Council leaders launch Three Cities Initiative

16/08/2004

Leaders from Nottingham, Leicester and Derby City Councils have come together to launch the Three Cities Initiative at Nottingham East Midlands Airport.

Councillors Maurice Burgess (Derby CC), Roger Blackmore (Leicester CC) and Mike Edwards (Nottingham CC) joined NEMA Planning & Development Director John Froggatt to officially unveil the massive illuminated sign in the Immigration Hall (see attached photograph).

The whole campaign is about promoting the region to businesses in the UK and overseas. Using the theme, ‘Working Together to Increase Corporate Investment for the Region’, the initiative demonstrates how competitive the area can be for new business.

John Froggatt, NEMA Planning & Development Director, said, “NEMA is proud to be an active partner in the Three Cities initiative. Not only will it raise awareness of the exciting possibilities for business that the region offers, but it will help to make the area a primary target for inward investment.”

The six foot poster site highlights the excellent location and transport links, employment skills, integration and cultural diversity of the East Midlands region and what it can offer to businesses looking to invest in the area.

Commenting at the launch, Councillor Maurice Burgess from Derby City Council said, "When companies look to invest in a city they often look at the surrounding region and what if offers. The Three Cities initiative, to help the area become more attractive to businesses, can only be a good thing in helping to highlight what we all have to offer rather than the traditional rivalry between Derby, Leicester and Nottingham. It recognises that we have greater pulling power by all working together."

Councillor Roger Blackmore from Leicester City Council said, "We welcome this campaign and see the airport as a key gateway to the economic development of Leicester and its environs."

Councillor Mike Edwards from Nottingham City Council said, “It is a handsome sign that conveys the exciting images of the three cities on the way up.”

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