Business and community leaders make the case for a Mayoral Strategic Authority to unlock growth in Leicester and Leicestershire in the latest episode of The One For Business – now available to listen, download and share on all podcast apps.
Join Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles, Leicestershire Business Voice Chief Executive Sue Tilley and Voluntary Action Leicestershire (VAL) Chief Executive Kevin Allen-Khimani on why now is not the time to take the foot of the gas in delivering devolution.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE EPISODE
The Prime Minister speaks of ‘growth in every postcode’ and has made devolution a priority, while East Midlands Chamber-supported Devolution Leicestershire says Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland need more devolved power, delivered without delay.
Following recent backing from Leicester and Leicestershire leaders for a Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA), The One for Business finds out why business and the voluntary sector say it’s needed.
Find out more about Devolution Leicestershire here.
PREVIOUS EPISODES – available wherever you get podcasts
Episode 1 – Exclusive Preview
Get to know the man behind Policy and Insight. We meet the Chamber’s Rick Blackmore and get an overview of what’s in store and the themes likely to be covered as The One for Business podcast unfolds.
This short introductory episode is a great place to learn more about the podcast and the direction it will take.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO EPISODE 1
Episode 2 – Women who mean business
An episode not to be missed – as Chamber network Enterprising Women approaches a huge milestone – its 30th anniversary, in 2027 – we get to know its founders Eileen Perry MBE DL and Jean Mountain.
Recorded backstage at Derby’s Vaillant Live, following the inspirational 2026 International Women’s Day Conference, Eileen Perry and Jean Mountain tell us what business means to them.
Their journey to leadership will draw you in, as we hear their remarkable story, overcoming barriers to becoming highly influential in championing women in business.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO EPISODE 2
Episode 3 – AI, Actually: Progress your digital story
Digital Planning founders James Ferraby and Mark Underwood join East Midlands Chamber’s Rick Blackmore, sharing how they built the business, the importance of systems thinking and the compound gains to be achieved from effective AI implementation and digital transformation.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO EPISODE 3
Episode 4 – Beam Me Up, Boss
UK data in 2026 revealed more than a million under 24’s are classified as NEET – Not in Education, Employment or Training – while the Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey’s regional findings have consistently shown 6 out 10 East Midlands employers have had difficulty finding suitable candidates to meet the requirements of roles.
Generation Next Chair Preethi Kang; Champion Blu Hardy and Lead Lucy Robinson address barriers young people face when advancing their career and how workplaces benefit from 18-40s insight.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO EPISODE 4
The Chamber’s new podcast – The One for Business – is available to download or listen. Click here or go to wherever you get podcasts.
