Sherwood Forest

The mighty River Trent

Lively cities

Great Universities

Great transport connections

Planes, trains and automobiles

Derby, large enough to matter, small enough to care

So when we're thinking about Inclusive Growth, isn't it more about a singularity of purpose rather than trying to define an identity to rally around.

Spotlight on those areas with poorest environment and least green space to be improved to boost health and wellbeing

Do the analysis and be honest about the places that are lagging behind and deliver real improvements there

Community economic growth is really important, but it is ignored in favour of inward investment.

What if we could encourage & support millions of East Midlanders to think differently?

How could we possibly think globally and act locally? Who could we involve? What possible assumptions might EMCCA be encouraged to explore?

Words matter. What limitations might already be in place? What if “Authority” was replaced by “Enabler”?

EMCCE = East Midlands Combined Counties Enabler.

Just a possibility…….

Community Engagement- not just the pretence of consultation- needs to be prioritised

I lead globally recognised practice in this work!! And I live in Derby.

Need to understand what people value about the places they live in now and what they would like to see improved/added

Is there some minimum requirement that we can agree on that makes a community sustainable and likely to thrive - are there tipping points beyond which communities are set to fail? Can we spot them and head them off…

Leading practice - analysis of the environmental negatives and mapping of them to identify where intervention will have most impact - example of Westminster Borough

Support from leadership

Time, a proper dedication of it, and short, medium & long term

Resource - access to knowledge, data and research

Effort & Expertise - enough people to deliver the work and the right level of experience and skills

Agency- Those tasked with doing the work are given the ear of the leadership of constructive criticism

Money- Proper budget for the work

• Enhancing Community Connections – Strengthens ties between diverse communities by cultivating collaboration through place-based creative practices.

• Revitalising Local Heritage – Engages residents with the cultural and environmental heritage of towns and cities, bringing underrepresented stories to life.

• Boosting Economic and Social Well-being – Supports eco-artists and local practitioners, creating opportunities for creative entrepreneurship and skills development.

• Innovative Digital Engagement – The Places by EcoGPX app enables communities to map, share, and explore cultural and ecological narratives interactively.

• Sustainable Urban and Rural Development – Encourages eco-friendly practices and the reclamation of public spaces through community-led initiatives.

• Health and Well-being Impact – Promotes ecological public health by encouraging engagement with green and blue spaces, fostering mental and physical well-being.

• Inclusive Storytelling and Representation – Provides a platform for local voices, enabling diverse communities to shape and share their own narratives.

• Strengthening Local Infrastructure – Supports regional connectivity by linking creative spaces, transport hubs, and key sites through digital and physical interactions.

• Bridging Traditional and Digital Spaces – Offers a new, ethical social network focused on meaningful, place-based interaction rather than data monetization.

• Scalability and Replication – Provides a model for place-based engagement that can be adapted across East Midlands towns, cities, and rural communities to support long-term resilience and growth.

• https://www.interculturalroots.org/project/ecogpx

what if the commissioner achieve 1000 measurable differences?