East Midlands Chamber and DMU have been awarded £121,000 Government funding to create a new Regional Business Intelligence Unit, which aims to improve competitiveness and productivity across the region, highlight business strengths and ultimately, win more investment. Colleagues from IAESV, the Centre for Enterprise and Innovation and Institute of Artificial Intelligence will work on the project.

By developing and enhancing economic and business intelligence for enterprise, the East Midlands will be able to inform policymakers such as Government agencies, local enterprise partnerships, All-Party Parliamentary Group of East Midlands MPs, local authorities and the East Midlands Development Corporation, as well as individual businesses and communities.

It’s hoped the Regional Business Intelligence Unit will enable the East Midlands to challenge other regions such as Manchester and Leeds, which have long-established strong unified voices with key influencers and have attracted investment and support from major funders, Government ministers and multinational companies. It will also aim to work with the West Midlands through the Midlands Engine Research Observatory.