Question to the Department for International Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what steps he has taken to support job creation from foreign direct investment in the East Midlands.

In 2016 the Department for International Trade established the Midlands Engine Investment Hub which has developed several sector-based investment propositions for the Foreign Direct Investment offer in key Midlands sectors, including the East Midlands. These are now promoted widely within DIT’s International network.

There were 69 investment projects that landed in the East Midlands in tax year 2018-2019, with 1,823 associated new jobs.

On 30 July the first East Midlands proposition within DIT’s High Potential Opportunities programme was launched. This showcases the Leicester Space Park offer and will be promoted to a targeted list of overseas investors.