News & views

31 July 2026

Leicestershire Business Voice has published a new report setting out business leaders’ priorities for strengthening the economy of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Realising Our Full Potential: Business Leaders’ Perspectives on the Future of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland captures the findings of the Leicestershire Business Voice Business Leaders’ Supper and Ambassador Programme Launch, held in April 2026.

The event brought together influential business leaders, representatives from the region’s universities, economic partners and other key stakeholders to consider how Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland can realise their full economic potential.

The Executive Summary and Detailed Report have now been approved by the Leicestershire Business Voice Board.

Three priorities for the region

Although the discussion covered a wide range of economic issues and opportunities, there was a clear consensus around three strategic priorities.

Securing fair investment and greater influence

Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland need a stronger voice in regional and national decision-making, together with a fairer share of the investment required to support long-term economic growth.

Participants recognised the importance of presenting clear, evidence-based priorities to government and ensuring the area’s economic strengths and investment needs are properly understood.

Developing a shared long-term vision

The region needs a compelling and ambitious long-term proposition that reflects its distinctive economic assets, sector strengths and future opportunities.

Delivering this vision will require sustained collaboration between businesses, universities, local authorities and other public and private sector partners.

Creating a stronger and more coordinated business voice

There was strong support for greater collaboration between businesses and representative organisations.

A more coordinated private sector voice would enable business leaders to play a more influential role in shaping economic priorities, identifying emerging challenges and supporting the delivery of growth across the region.

Moving from discussion to action

The report captures the principal insights, discussions and recommendations from the evening. Contributions were made under Chatham House Rules, enabling participants to engage openly and constructively.

A number of the issues raised at the event have already begun to influence wider discussions across the region.

Leicestershire Business Voice will continue to work as an independent, apolitical and business-led convenor, bringing together organisations and leaders who share an ambition to strengthen the region’s economic performance.

Sue Tilley, Chair of Leicestershire Business Voice, said: “The quality of the discussion demonstrated both the strength of leadership across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and the shared ambition to work more collaboratively.

“There was a clear message that our region must become more confident in articulating its strengths, more coordinated in making its case and more influential in securing the investment needed to support future growth.

“Our report provides an important record of the discussion, but its real value will be in helping to turn this shared ambition into practical action. Leicestershire Business Voice looks forward to continuing to work with East Midlands Chamber and our other partners to help make that happen.”

The Realising Our Full Potential Executive Summary and Detailed Report are available to download from the LBV website.