Business leaders and politicians are being urged to attend a specially-convened event aimed at making sure Mansfield and Ashfield does not miss out from a proposed devolution deal.

The Government has confirmed that a £1.14bn devolution deal is on offer for the East Midlands, covering Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby, and Nottingham.

The deal will provide the region with a guaranteed income stream of £38m per year over a 30-year period.

Covering an area home to around 2.2m people, an East Midlands combined authority would be one of the biggest in the country.

While Mansfield and Ashfield 2020 believes that there is a real opportunity for businesses across the districts to get involved in shaping what that deal means for them, the organisation wants to also make sure the area does not miss out.

Working with local partners, Mansfield and Ashfield 2020 has brought together a panel, including decision makers and experts with an understanding of how devolution could work, to try to help business understand what is possible.

Guests at the event, being hosted by Vision West Notts College on November 11, will be invited to take part in a question-and-answer session.

Panel members will include Ben Bradley MP, district council and county council representatives, business representatives, and education partners.

Ella McManus, M&A 2020 director of Operations, said: “The changes will see decision making about local issues such as infrastructure, skills, business support, inward investment and environmental concerns move from central government to a combined mayoral authority. Decisions that directly affect our businesses every day.

“It will also provide us with an indication of the direction of the local authorities and how business owners can prepare for any opportunities that may arise, from innovation through to public procurement.

“We now have a unique opportunity to make sure that our voice is heard by decision makers as early as possible in the process to try and make sure that this deal will benefit the long-term economic prosperity of our area.”

Consultation is expected to take place across the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire regions this winter and this event is designed to help the local business community understand how they can make the most of the next two years to work together to make sure that the business community’s voice is clear on the areas that need to be improved.

The event is open to all businesses across the North Nottinghamshire area and is free to attend.

You will find all the information and booking details here