East Midlands Chamber and the University of Leicester are to renew their strategic partnership.
The University of Leicester is the Education Partner for the Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey – continuous research that measures the performance and sentiment of East Midlands businesses. The findings inform Chamber policy and are shared with political leaders at both regional and national level.
The extended partnership enables the University to share insight with the Chamber’s 4000-strong membership across the East Midlands and to have a key place at the table when the Chamber engages with policymakers.
East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “Close collaboration with the University of Leicester brings significant benefit to the East Midlands through the university’s world-renowned academic expertise and leading research coupled with the Chamber’s insight, its engagement with policymakers and its thousands of member businesses across the region.
“As Education Partner of the Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey, the university has a front seat at the heart of one of the most effective and established performance indicators of East Midlands business.
“Tracking factors like sales and orders in the here and now, investment intention for the months ahead, as well as measuring levels of concern around factors like inflation or business rates is critical in determining the challenges and opportunities firms across the East Midlands face day-to-day. That’s why political leaders are presented with the data and why the findings form a key part of shaping Chamber policy.
“I look forward to continuing the strategic partnership we have with the University of Leicester, further building on the shared insight between both organisations to identify growth opportunities for the East Midlands.”
University of Leicester School of Business Associate Dean for Enterprise Professor Mohamed Shaban said: “We are pleased to continue the University of Leicester’s Strategic Partnership with East Midlands Chamber. Our longstanding relationship demonstrates our shared commitment to aligning the University’s research, expertise, and talent with the needs and ambitions of businesses and communities across the region.
“The renewed partnership offers a strong platform to expand our collaboration in economic research, executive education, knowledge exchange, innovation, enterprise support, skills development, and international trade. The Quarterly Economic Survey will provide new opportunities for research and regional insight. We will also support University tenant and graduate-led businesses, while strengthening connections with the broader business community. This collaboration will help us turn research and expertise into practical benefits for businesses and broader economic and societal impact.
“We look forward to working closely with the Chamber to support Leicester and Leicestershire’s growth and economic ambitions. The University offers world-leading, research-based expertise across the sciences and social sciences that supports responsible growth, enterprise, and innovation, while the Chamber brings strong business acumen and knowledge, along with an extensive business network and regional reach.
“Together, we can help businesses innovate and grow, support skills development, and contribute to sustainable and inclusive prosperity across Leicester, Leicestershire, and the wider East Midlands.”
