As we step into 2025, it’s time to reaffirm our unwavering dedication to the East of England.
The past year brought monumental political change both nationally and regionally, and the Eastern Powerhouse has worked tirelessly to champion the unique needs of our region, transcending political lines to advocate for real, actionable progress.
From its inception, the Eastern Powerhouse has been driven by one principle: supporting ideas that work for the East of England, no matter their political origin. Now, with the new government in place for half a year, we’re witnessing bold reforms that have the potential to reshape the nation’s growth trajectory, provided, of course, they are executed effectively.
It is not an exaggeration to say that this could be the pivotal moment for creating systems which truly unlock the region’s full potential. For this to be the case, collaboration is now more crucial than ever.
A Focused Agenda for 2025
Connectivity, insight, and advocacy are at the core of our mission, and act as the pillars which guide our work. It, therefore, only makes sense that these will form the foundation of our ambitious plans for 2025, ensuring that our efforts remain focused on delivering meaningful outcomes for the region.
The Government’s 2025 agenda resonates strongly with our vision for the East. Priorities such as revitalising public services, championing green energy, and addressing inequalities are broad ambitions which align with our goals; however, they must be translated into realisable actions that directly improve the lives of businesses and residents in the East.
Driving Change Through Devolution
One of the most transformative developments is the opportunity for landmark devolution deals, which could transfer more powers to local leaders and communities. This shift could empower places in the East of England to take control of its destiny, ensuring that strategic decisions about economic development and investment are made closer to the people they affect.
it is encouraging to see that our proposals have been acknowledged in the devolution white paper - a reflection of ideas central to our strategy since day one. But devolution is only the starting point. It is time to prove that regional leadership is more than a slogan. The East of England must seize this opportunity to lead, not follow. With champion industries like renewable energy, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing based here, we are perfectly positioned to support the UK's industrial strategy, Invest 2035.
Failing to act decisively now would mean missing a generational opportunity to shape our future.
Engaging the East
In the first quarter of 2025, we will prioritise engaging directly with the people and businesses in the East. Your voices are vital in shaping our priorities. We strongly believe that devolution isn’t just about transferring power; it is about making that power work for you.
We are eager to have conversations with businesses on how devolution can impact their futures, and offer our insight on both the opportunities and the challenges ahead. To foster this dialogue, we are planning events in Parliament to discuss how the growth agenda can deliver tangible benefits for the East. Your input to this process is essential, and we invite you to join us and express your views.
If you would like to be involved, get in touch
Delivering on the Eastern Powerhouse Manifesto
The Eastern Powerhouse Manifesto remains our guiding framework, outlining bold goals for the region’s prosperity. In 2025, we will redouble our efforts to:
Accelerate investment in transport infrastructure: Projects like the Ely rail improvements and national rail upgrades will connect people and businesses more effectively.
Lead the renewable energy revolution: The East is a hub for wind, solar, and other green technologies. Events and initiatives under the “Green East” banner will showcase our leadership in this area.
Champion innovation and enterprise: Building on the success of our skills workshops, we aim to position the East as a hub for cutting-edge industries, fostering a workforce equipped to drive growth.
We will also launch new campaigns and programs to make these ambitions a reality. The details of these initiatives will be shared as the year unfolds—stay tuned and get involved!
A Collaborative Vision
None of this can be achieved alone. Success can only be achieved through positive collaboration between members, local authorities, businesses, educational institutions, and, most importantly, the people of the East. Together, we can challenge outdated systems and advocate for the radical changes needed to secure our region’s future prosperity.
2025 is not just another year. It is the year to deliver. This is our moment to make tangible progress and ensure the Eastern Powerhouse becomes a lasting force for change. If we fail to act, we risk missing the boat entirely—and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
A Year of Transformation
So, here’s to 2025: a year of transformation, growth, and opportunity. This is the year we prove that collaboration and bold action can redefine the future of the East of England. Let’s make this the year we look back on and say, “That’s when everything changed.”