What Sets Us Apart
Celebrating the diversity of the East Midlands
The East Midlands is recognised the world over as a shining light for embracing cultural richness and diversity. The Chamber conducts a study into Equality, Diversity and Inclusion every year, in partnership with emh Group, which provides affordable homes, care and support.
The latest published research revealed a significant rise in the number of East Midlands businesses that have adopted an EDI policy to nearly seven out of 19, while there was no change in the number of businesses (two out of 10) saying there is ‘no benefit’ in having a structure.
More than 300 East Midlands businesses took part in the research, with data collected compared to previous years to track progress and form recommendations for businesses and political leaders. The report can be viewed here.
The Chamber’s fifth annual Celebration of Culture and Communities took place at Athena Leicester on 4 April 2025, delivered in conjunction with events and marketing company Sanjib8, and supported by headline partners RandalSun Capital, emh Group, De Montfort University and associate partners Sanjay Foods and PPL PRS. Representatives from 500 East Midlands businesses and charities networked and heard inspirational talks and live performances ranging from Britain’s Got Talent soprano Faryl Smith to Bollywood act Karan Pangali and KSPARK.
The East Midlands Manufacturing Network
Created to secure the future success of manufacturing across the region, the East Midlands Manufacturing Network (EMMN) is a dedicated, supportive peer network, delivered by the Chamber.
Manufacturers are connected to foster innovation, drive growth and promote collaboration. Launched in March 2022, EMMN today has more than 400 members. In 2024 a new branch was created covering Leicestershire.
EMMN hosted its first region-wide meeting in autumn 2024, bringing together businesses from a wide geographical area. It was the first time members of the six regional groups – covering Derby, Derbyshire, Leicester, Leicestershire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire – joined to hear the latest developments in manufacturing and share best practice.
Enterprising Women – raising the profile of women in business
Getting more women into senior roles and financial empowerment were among topics addressed at the Enterprising Women’s International Women’s Day Conference 2025 on 7 March 2025.
The conference at the Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium took place on the eve of International Women’s Day, in conjunction with headline sponsor Mattioli Woods.
Fashion retail specialist Fiona Lambert was the keynote speaker, sharing insight from her years in leadership roles at Jaeger, M&S, Next, Asda, Dunelm and River Island.
The 2025 Enterprising Women Awards were presented at Winstanley House in Leicester in September. Sponsored by headline partner Michael Smith Switchgear, with music sponsor PPL PRS, the ceremony was hosted by ITV presenter Emma Jesson. The 10 award categories included Innovation, Social Commitment and Team of the Year.
The Businesswoman of the Year Award went to Mariam Smith of Datalink Electronics. Speaking afterwards, Mariam was asked for her advice to women starting out in their career.
"What I do, it’s just what feels right to me. Actually, it comes from being that person that always had to fight, to be heard, to be out there. I’ve never had a career. I’ve just got on and done it. Just literally opportunities. Just somebody going ‘do you want to give this a go?’ And I go ‘yeah, I’ll give it a go."
The Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Paradigm Wills & Legal Services, was presented to Sandra Wiggins. With over 40 years of experience across engineering, logistics, hospitality and manufacturing, Sandra spent the last decade scaling innovation-led businesses and championing culture, excellence and transformation in male-dominated sectors.
"My advice to women is go for it. Find a mentor, find somebody who will help you along the way because that’s what I did."
Generation Next – empowering leaders and entrepreneurs of tomorrow
Building a growth mindset, challenging and embracing the potential of AI and building self-awareness were among themes explored by East Midlands 18-35s at the 2025 Generation Next Leadership and Growth Conference in March. The event, at Cleaver & Wake in Nottingham, was presented in partnership with Mattioli Woods, RandalSun Capital and NetMonkeys and headlined by keynote speaker James Peach – a global marketing leader who has worked with brands including Uber, Innocent Drinks, Coca Cola and Vinted.
The outstanding achievement of young professionals in the East Midlands was recognised at the network’s Summer Festival and Awards. Complete with Caribbean band, DJ and street food, the unconventional ceremony took place at Electric Daisy in Derby in July and saw 12 awards issued across business areas ranging from stand-out apprentices to excellence in professional services. The awards – with headline sponsor the University of Derby – were hosted by Generation Next Vice-Chair Preethi Kang and Board Member Benjamin Wileman, while chair Scarlett Canavan opened the ceremony.
HR support for members
The Chamber’s HR Forum provides a free service for members to receive straightforward HR support and updates on the latest changes in the law. The regular group sessions attract up to 50 people and are open to all members, from business owners and directors to HR professionals wanting to build their knowledge. Advice on offer ranges from equipping managers with the skills to lead a productive workforce, helping manage underperforming staff, gaining understanding of fair and unfair dismissal and helping avoid discrimination within the workplace.
Addressing opportunities and challenges around people and skills
Filling job vacancies, staff retention and EDI were among areas addressed by businesses and educators at the Chamber’s People and Skills Conference, which took place at Loughborough University in June. Held in partnership with the university and West Nottinghamshire College, and sponsored by Futures, the conference sought to pinpoint opportunities for skills reform to support business growth through a series of talks and workshops. University professor in work psychology Prof Eva Selenko was the keynote speaker, presenting research into the issues that underpin youth unemployment.
View more
- Driving growth and innovation
- Backing international trade
- Driving employment
- Annual Business Awards
- Working with strategic partners and patrons
- Enterprising Women Awards
- Framework for Growth
- Midlands Energy Conference
- Local Skills Improvement Plan
- Income reached £21m
- Pre-tax profits of £360,000
- Strong financial position