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A senior Government minister has visited Derby for talks on the city’s strategy to reboot its economy after the coronavirus crisis.

Yesterday, Robert Jenrick, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, visited the city to hear how the recently formed Derby Economic Recovery Task Force is working to maintain business confidence, diversify the local economy and decarbonise the city.

Derby has been hit particularly hard by the economic impact of the pandemic. The city is home to aero engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce and several aerospace suppliers, who have been affected by the sudden downturn in the aviation sector.

It has led Rolls-Royce, the city’s largest private sector employer, to announce major job losses at its Derby site.

The Economic Recovery Task Force, which is made up of public and private sector partners, was set up to help find new employment for workers facing redundancy as part of the economic fallout from the pandemic.

Yesterday, members of the task force presented further details on bids made for millions of pounds of funding from Mr Jenrick’s department to help the city build back better and differently.

Projects discussed included a £20 million advanced manufacturing research centre to generate jobs and help businesses develop low-carbon technologies.

Also discussed was a £23.7 million regeneration package to develop a future use for Derby’s historic Market Hall, build offices and create new public space in the city centre.