At Midlands Connect's conference being held in Melton Mowbray today, Monday 12 June, the region will be dubbed the 'rural powerhouse' of the UK.

The event in Melton Mowbray will hear from local councils throughout the region on the rural electric vehicle uptake, the challenges and opportunities of delivering rural transport as well as an update from Midlands Connect on their work in a rural setting.

Richard Bradley, Midland's Connect's Head of Strategy, says: "Places like Leicestershire and Rutland are real drivers of transport innovation and today's conference will show and herald that work. Let's say something and be proud, the Midlands is the rural powerhouse of the UK.

"I firmly believe everyone in the Midlands wins from this kind of innovation, that is why we are hosting this major conference in Melton Mowbray, to share the knowledge and learning and allow other communities to thrive.

"I want us to learn the lessons from Lincolnshire, Staffordshire, Shropshire, Worcestershire and Derbyshire so we can all take what works and make our transport networks the best they can be for rural residents."

Rural areas will see an increase in transport infratructure. Image credit: Nub News.

The group will also hear from Derbyshire who were awarded £100,000 last year to deliver a pilot scheme which will create an online community platform that will encourage electric vehicle and charge point sharing in Derbyshire's Buxton and Hope Valley.

Beth Morley, Mobility and Human Insights Manager, Cenex said: "Cenex and representatives from the Derbyshire Digital Hub are excited to update the conference on our progress. Innovation in transport should happen everywhere, not just in cities, and this project is a step to understanding how digital shared transport options can work for all communities."

Rural areas face transport challenges when it comes to providing onnovative links and connections. Image credit: Nub News.

Jonny Browning, Associate Technical Director, Arcadis added: "Rural areas face new challenges in providing innovative transport that meet resident and business needs. Arcadis, now proudly incorporating IBI Group, are working with Midlands Connect to explore issues and opportunities on a number of rural routes in the Midlands. We seek to take full advantage of technology solutions to drive inclusive growth and improve the quality of life for citizens and rural transport users."

Despite these new challenges however, a cut of the £23 million Levelling Up grant awarded to Rutland and Melton Councils last year will go towards creating a 'transport hub' in Rutland.

Read more about this here.

Janna Walker, Assistant Director Development and Growth Highways and Transport. Leicestershire County Council, concluded: "This is a really good example of where Midlands Connect is providing practical assistance to Local Transport Authorities as we seek to address the challenges of decarbonising transport. My colleagues and I look forward to continuing to work with the group and our partners on the next steps of the local electric vehicle infrastructure roll out."

Rutland will welcome a new transport hub. Image credit: Nub News.