The Chamber of Commerce for Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire will next month host a major conference to examine the state of the region’s economy.

The event, which takes place at Goosedale Conference and Banqueting in Papplewick, near Nottingham, on 12 November, will feature speakers including former Chancellor of the Exchequer Ken Clarke MP, Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury Chris Leslie, economic analysts and commentators from leading UK economic think tanks. It is being sponsored by Lloyds Bank.

Speakers include:

•Liz Fothergill, Chamber President 2014-15
•Rhys Herbert, Senior Economist at Lloyds Banking
•Sadia Sheikh, Regional Forecaster at Experian
•Naomi Clayton, Senior Analyst at Centre for Cities
•The Rt. Hon. Kenneth Clarke MP (Rushcliffe)
•Chris Leslie MP (Nottingham East, Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury)
•Dr Steve Davis, Education Director at the Institute for Economic Affairs
•George Cowcher, Chief Executive, DNLCC

There will also be a discussion between a panel made up of local business leaders from the manufacturing, construction, retail, leisure and transport sectors.

Chamber Chief Executive George Cowcher said: “The past 12 months have seen a significant shift in the UK’s economic health, with the East Midlands among the leading regions in terms of private sector job creation, business investment and improved performance in domestic and international markets.

“However, as the positive indicators continue to come in, questions remain as to whether the growth being experienced is sustainable and balanced.

“At home, there are concerns over what impact an increase in interest rates will have on growth, while developments overseas have the potential to send waves across the UK market. Productivity is still below pre-recession levels, many businesses have spare capacity to fill and while jobs are being created, wage inflation remains subdued.

“This conference looks to address these questions and consider the role the East Midlands can play in securing economic success in the new economic landscape.”

Tickets for the event cost £50+VAT for Chamber members and £75+VAT for non-members. They can be booked online at http://bit.ly/1sfscgc