Businesses are being urged to find out more about plans to create a combined authority for Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire that would have decision-making powers on several key areas instead of the government.

Mansfield and Ashfield 2020 will be holding a special event, hosted by Vision West Notts College on 11th November, to give businesses the opportunity to find out more about the East Midlands Devolution Deal.

Ella McManus, 2020 director of operations, said: “Devolution represents an opportunity for local businesses to get together and determine what they need to ensure economic growth for the future of our area.

“The Mayoral Combined County Authority will see powers devolved from central government to local decision makers.

“This will be the first time we will have the opportunity to really influence what might happen in terms of inward investment, local transport, infrastructure, skills, and business support plans — so it is important that businesses make their views known.”

The event, which is free to all businesses in Ashfield and Mansfield, will take place from 1pm-3pm.

The proposed new combined authority would be led by an elected mayor from 2024. Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire county councils as well as the unitary authorities for Nottingham and Derby have signed up to the agreement, which will respect the importance of the continued role of the eight Derbyshire and seven Nottinghamshire district and borough councils.

As the process is still in development, this is seen as an ideal time for business leaders to understand what this means for their local economy and identify any opportunities or concerns to get their voice heard.

All 2020 events can be booked through its dedicated events page at www.mansfieldandashfield2020.com

Mansfield and Ashfield 2020 is due to host its monthly business breakfast event on 28th October at Portland College.

At the meeting Mansfield District Council will launch its Christmas Festival. 2020 members and guests will given an opportunity to win tickets for this year’s panto at Mansfield Palace Theatre, The Further Adventures of Peter Pan – The Return of Captain Hook.

There was also the chance to win VIP entry to the council’s Christmas lights switch-on event in the town centre on Sunday, 27th November.

At the business breakfast meeting David Torrington, of Sky Recruitment Solutions, was scheduled to share insights into staffing issues faced by local businesses and what they can do to help themselves ease the situation.

Mansfield and Ashfield 2020 is a not-for-profit organisation working with public and private sector organisations to create opportunities for growth and enrichment of local businesses and communities. It runs monthly events to help build business connections and stimulate conversations that contribute to economic prosperity for everyone.

Regular events include:
Women in Business — First Wednesday of the month, 12.30pm-2.30pm.
Pie and a Pint — Second Wednesday of the month, 5pm-7.30pm.
Business Breakfast — Last Friday of the month, 7.15am-9.30am.

Ella McManus added: “We offer a three-month taster membership for local businesses that want to try us out before they commit to a yearly membership, and we have pay-monthly options for small businesses that are looking to manage cashflow. You can find all the details on our website, www.mansfieldandashfield2020.com.”

To book a place at the meeting and to find out more about 2020, go to https://mansfieldandashfield2020.com