Analysis: What should LLR do ahead of Devo?

The Chamber’s Framework for Growth looks at the way forward for Devolution in Leicester and Leicestershire.

Why? Because we know that change is coming - what we don’t know is when.

That ‘not knowing’ presents a further set of questions. The main one being: What should Leicester, Leicestershire - and Rutland do in the meantime?

Businesses have a role to play here. LLR is an economy of national importance with significant manufacturing, logistics, life sciences, and innovation assets. By building its own clear strategic identity and amplifying that through a combined business voice, LLR becomes hard to ignore.

But that can only happen with buy-in from businesses, residents, and communities and, of course, the support of our area’s politicians.

The Chamber’s Framework for Growth seeks to build this coalition by outlining several asks in terms of LLR devolution - and setting out a strategic pathway.

Steps include:

• Building public and business support to clearly and consistently communicate the benefits of devolution to residents, employers, and community partners. This will ensure that stakeholders understand and support the region’s long-term ambitions.
• Developing a Local Growth Plan to coordinate how devolved funding is allocated and managed across the region. This will set clear priorities, align investments with local economic objectives, and provide a transparent basis for decision-making.
• Concentrating on priority powers and areas where local control will have the greatest impact. This will prepare LLR to compete with other areas in key areas such as skills, transport & infrastructure, business & innovation, housing, and Net Zero.

These areas of focus, coupled with a strong and strategic growth plan, backed by our politicians - regardless of their party allegiances - will move the area forward.

They will ensure the transition to a combined authority continues - rather than waiting for the Devolution process to happen.

• This article was first published in the April 2026 edition of Business Network magazine.