‘Harness the heft’ – how the new chief exec of EMCCA plans to put the East Midlands on the map

The need to “harness the heft” of the East Midlands and make the region more confident are top of the “to-do” list of the new chief executive of the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).

Speaking to TheBusinessDesk.com, Amy Harhoff, who has been in the role for three weeks, says the Combined Authority’s priorities including “moving the dial” on moving major investment projects forward – as well as the East Midlands’ health and economic equalities.

She said: “The potential of the East Midlands – and its institutions and assets – is huge, and this is something the EMCCA can enable.

“What we need to do now is harness the heft and bring forward a range of propositions that will attract major global brands to the area.

“We also need to instill a sense of confidence in the region – and ensure that people have belief in what the East Midlands can offer.”

Harhoff has joined EMCCA from Durham County Council, where she was corporate director for regeneration, economy and growth for the past four years. She has also worked at senior level at Sandwell Council in the West Midlands, South Yorkshire Combined Authority and Transport for Greater Manchester.

As EMCCA’s chief executive she will be responsible for leading the organisation’s work on regional transport, housing, economic development, Net Zero, jobs and skills priorities.

The appointment means that EMCCA is the only Mayoral combined authority in the country with two women in its most senior roles.

“Claire [Ward, the East Midlands’ first directly-elected mayor] is excellent,” says Harhoff. “She’s a breath of fresh air; such a thoughtful person and someone who wants to do the right thing for the East Midlands.

“What we need to do now is move on to be one of the more established bodies in the UK. We want to create an confident East Midlands for everyone.”