‘The right time’ – Lorraine Baggs, Head of Invest in Nottingham announces her retirement

I’m filled with a mix of emotions – gratitude, nostalgia, and excitement for the future. It’s with a sense of both pride and humility that I’ve decided to take early retirement and step away from Invest in Nottingham/Marketing Nottingham & Nottinghamshire.

A new era is dawning in the East Midlands. The landscape is changing; we’re about to see the election of a regional Mayor and the establishment of the largest combined authority. Nottingham’s place marketing organisation – Marketing Nottingham & Nottinghamshire has lately seen the appointment of our new CEO – Megan Powell Vreeswijk who I have no doubt will continue to make a significant impact. The relatively newly formed Freeport and East Mids DevCo will also contribute towards the infrastructure to deliver the region’s true potential. I’m confident that we’ll soon have access to the much-needed funding and decision-making processes to move forward, the lack of which has held us back for far too long. To me, the time seems right to bestow the responsibility of future growth to others.

I leave knowing that I have given my all to the inward investment cause, and I’m immensely proud of the work we’ve accomplished together. I’ve seen huge changes over the years in my time leading the city’s inward investment team from when it was part of Nottingham City Council to, in 2016, becoming part of the private place marketing organisation – Marketing Nottingham & Nottinghamshire. In addition to the many businesses we have brought to the city and the jobs created I’m proud to have been involved in such campaigns as the Nottingham in Parliament Day, the World Cup 2018 bid, Invest in Nottingham Day, the creation of Team Nottingham for MIPIM and more lately UKREiif. A special place in my heart goes to the work around Nottingham Ambassadors/Invest in Nottingham Club/Nottingham Means Business and now under the banner of Nottingham Partners (yes, I know!!) A lot of that work and success came under the guiding eye of my mentor and friend, the inimitable Jim Taylor who deserves a special mention. I’ve seen laughter, tears, celebrations, commiserations – the best and, at times, the worst job, but forever a privilege! There’s no doubt the challenges over the years have been significant, frustrating and exhausting but I have always and will always continue to believe in this city and its potential.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my team (past and present) for their unwavering support, camaraderie, and friendship throughout my tenure. Times have sometimes been exceptionally tough but it’s been an honour to work alongside such talented and passionate individuals.

Though I may be stepping down, I do so on the most positive of terms. My time here has been rewarding, and I leave with cherished memories and lifelong connections. I’m excited to see what the future holds, both for the company, the inward investment team and for myself.

In handing over the baton, I’m confident that I leave Marketing Nottingham & Nottinghamshire in the hands of extremely capable and dedicated professionals who will continue to steer it towards even greater success. Our shared values and dedication to excellence will undoubtedly guide them through any challenges that lie ahead.

Here’s to new beginnings and continued success. I’ll be watching from the sidelines…