Private Capital in the East Midlands 2026

This report is launching at a time when regional economic growth is at the forefront of political discourse. The new Government’s ambition for ‘growth in every postcode’ is a laudable goal that will only succeed by matching stronger local leadership with the investment needed to deliver it. 

Private capital already plays a substantial role in the East Midlands economy, backing businesses across every sector. This ranges from supporting industries in which the region has historic strengths, such as manufacturing and engineering, to backing early-stage companies in industries of the future like zero carbon, advanced manufacturing and digital technologies.

Through active ownership, private capital firms strengthen management and operational capability, helping promising businesses navigate the difficult journey from innovation to sustainable scale, and helping established businesses compete in a rapidly changing economy. 

The industry’s commitment to the East Midlands is significant. Combined, businesses backed by private equity and venture capital contribute £7.6bn to the economy on an annual basis. Those headline figures sit behind thousands of day-to-day decisions in firms right across the economy.

The scale of that contribution matters and with the right conditions, the industry can play an even bigger part in the region’s success. This means having a policy and regulatory environment that enables firms to move from start-up to scale-up, gives businesses access to the skills and talent they need, and delivers the infrastructure required for investment and expansion. 

With those foundations in place, private capital can play an even greater role in turning the East Midlands’ ambitions into growth that reaches every part of the region and the wider United Kingdom.