Jon Ball
Palo Alto, Sheffield
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Husband, dad, sports fan, #nffc, @EastMidsCCA press and media officer. Views my own.
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Articles by Jon Ball
Mayor’s delight as Becketwell confirmed for Great British Railways headquarters
Great British Railways’ new headquarters is set to be based at Becketwell in Derby city centre – a move hailed by the Mayor of the East Midlands as a “fantastic” for the city and wider region. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander today confirmed Becketwell, a major city centre brownfield regeneration site, as her preferred location for the headquarters.
Visit East Midlands launches with £1 billion visitor economy ambition
A new regional partnership has been launched with the ambition of growing the East Midlands visitor economy by an additional £1 billion by 2035 – attracting more visitors, encouraging longer stays and increasing spending across the region. Visit East Midlands brings together the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), local authorities, destination organisations and businesses to give the region a stronger voice, attract new audiences and help tourism and hospitality businesses grow.
New electric buses set for Nottingham thanks to Mayor’s £4.5m investment
New electric double-decker buses are set to take to the streets of Nottingham thanks to funding from the Mayor of the East Midlands. Nottingham City Transport (NCT) has welcomed the arrival of its first electric double-decker buses, with its first Wrightbus StreetDeck Electroliners now at NCT, ahead of entering passenger service later this year on Lilac Line 27 to Carlton.
£66m investment to unlock new homes, jobs and greener growth across the East Midlands
More than £66 million is being invested to bring brownfield sites forward, regenerate town centres and help businesses grow and create jobs across the East Midlands. The investment by the Mayor of the East Midlands, through the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), includes more than £43m for projects supporting economic growth, alongside £23m to help bring forward new homes across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
£64m skills investment helping East Midlands residents into better jobs and training
More than £64 million is being invested in skills and employment programmes this year – helping people across the East Midlands gain qualifications, develop new skills and move into work or new careers.
New tourism map promotes greener days out across the East Midlands
Visitors to the East Midlands are being encouraged to discover some of the region’s best days out by rail and bus thanks to a new tourism map backed by the Mayor of the East Midlands. Train operator East Midlands Railway (EMR), in partnership with Mayor Claire Ward and the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) has launched the map, which brings together key attractions across the East Midlands and shows how they can be reached using public transport.
New support to help East Midlands health and life sciences innovations reach the market
Health and life sciences businesses across the East Midlands are being offered support to transform innovation in ideas and technologies into viable products and services. The Health & Life Sciences Business and Innovation Support Programme is being delivered by Medilink Midlands in partnership with the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).
Vision for a greener Old Market Square takes a major step forward thanks to Mayor’s investment
One of Nottingham’s most iconic spaces is set to be revamped due to public demand – and a little financial help from the Mayor of the East Midlands. Residents in Nottingham asked for more greening and the return of a water feature to the city’s flagship public space – and now those ideas are set to become reality.
Mayor welcomes plan to trial robot deliveries in Nottingham
Deliveroo and Coco Robotics , one of the largest pavement delivery fleets across the US and Europe, have today announced plans to bring robot deliveries to towns and cities across the UK through a new strategic partnership – with Nottingham among the pilot locations.
Mayor working to ‘reduce impact on passengers’ over changes to Chesterfield bus services
The Mayor of the East Midlands is working with partners to minimise the impact on passengers after changes to a number of North Derbyshire bus services were announced by Stagecoach Yorkshire. The bus operator has announced a number of changes affecting bus routes across Chesterfield and surrounding areas, with the changes set to take place from Sunday, October 25.
Mayor at vanguard of supporting people with health conditions in employment
The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) has been named as one of a dozen regional Vanguards – alongside more than 200 Vanguard organisations – helping build Britain’s first Workplace Health System. The Workplace Health System is a new approach that brings together employers, the NHS, local leaders and support services, so people with health conditions get help early and do not fall out of work unnecessarily.
Greener future as £25k workplace travel grants enable more staff to cycle to work
Businesses across Nottingham are being helped in their quest to go greener thanks to a Workplace Travel Service. Under the scheme up to £25,000 is up for grabs to help Nottingham businesses, organisations and charities to improve workplace travel options by introducing eCargo bikes, cycle shelters, showers for cyclists and electric vehicle charging points.
Work starts on next stage of A614/A6097 junction improvements
Site set up, drainage works and utility diversions will mark the start of works on the scheme, before focus turns to the reconstruction of the roundabout – Lowdham roundabout is one of five junctions included in the A614/A6097 major road network scheme. lowdham roundabout visualisation Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “Good transport links are essential to the East Midlands. They help people get to work, reach services and give businesses the connections they need to grow.
More than 36,000 people help shape East Midlands Transport Plan
Reliable public transport, well-maintained roads and better-connected communities are among the top priorities identified by residents across the East Midlands in one of the region’s biggest consultations – helping to shape an East Midlands transport plan. More than 36,000 people shared their views for the future of transport across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire through the Mayor’s Big Transport Conversation, led by Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward.
Mayor welcomes green light for Nottingham Forest’s City Ground expansion
The Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, has released a statement following tonight’s approval of planning permission for the redevelopment and expansion of Nottingham Forest’s City Ground stadium. Delighted at City Ground green light Mayor Claire said: “I’m delighted that plans to redevelop Nottingham Forest’s City Ground have been approved. This is a landmark moment for the club and its supporters, and a major investment in Nottingham that will benefit the wider region.
Mayor warns cancellation of A38 and A46 road schemes risks homes, jobs and growth
The Mayor of the East Midlands has urged the Government to keep two vital regional road schemes in its investment programme – warning cancelling them would put homes, jobs and economic growth at risk. Mayor Claire Ward’s intervention comes as the A38 Derby Junctions and A46 Newark Bypass road schemes are among those proposed for cancellation as the Government looks for savings from the Department for Transport to help meet increased defence spending.
Mayor of the East Midlands elected to lead UK Mayors Network
The Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, has been elected by her fellow mayors to chair the UK Mayors Network – giving her a national leadership role as Government devolves more power to regions. The UK Mayors Network is the sector body for strategic authorities. It brings together the regional mayors to discuss shared priorities and work on issues including devolution, transport, skills, housing and economic growth.
Six East Midlands sites named in major push to unlock new homes and regeneration
The first six priority areas have been agreed as part of a regional push to unlock thousands of new homes, regenerate town and city centres, and support economic growth across the East Midlands. The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) and Homes England are working with councils and partners to bring forward priority housing and regeneration schemes in Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
New £8m business fund to help East Midlands companies grow
Firms across the East Midlands will be able to access grants to invest in new equipment, technology and energy-saving measures through a new £8.1 million business fund. Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward has committed the funding to help businesses across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire invest, grow and become more productive over the next four years.
Buses are about more than transport – they are about opportunity
When I became Mayor of the East Midlands, I said I wanted to focus on the everyday things that make a real difference to people’s lives, writes Mayor Claire Ward. Buses are one of those things. For many people, a good bus service is not a “nice to have”. It is how they get to work, college, the shops, a hospital appointment or to see family and friends. For those without access to a car, it can be the difference between feeling connected and feeling cut off.
‘Significant milestone’ as EMCCA-backed work begins on major Nottinghamshire road improvements
Works on the A614/A6097 scheme officially kicked off last month – and now archaeology works off East Bridgford Road are complete, main works to improve the junction will begin on Monday 24 August 2026. The scheme, which will improve key junctions across Nottinghamshire, received a £12.6 million investment from Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward after she successfully helped get the project over the line through direct engagement with Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander in September.
Mayor opens £10k Summer of Sport fund for grassroots organisations
Grassroots organisations across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire are being encouraged to apply for a share of £10,000 following on from Mayor Claire Ward’s Summer of Sport. The Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, has launched the Community Activity Challenge Fund, offering grants of between £250 and £2,000 to local groups to deliver free sport and activity opportunities between 1 September and 30 November 2026.
Mayor welcomes Prime Minister to Ilkeston as he vows to save ‘hollowed out high streets’
The Mayor of the East Midlands welcomed the Prime Minister to Derbyshire as she backed his plans to save “hollowed out high streets”. Prime Minister Andy Burnham joined Mayor Claire Ward in Ilkeston to announce plans to hand new powers to communities and councils over their town centres.
Midlands Mindforge enters active investment phase as first spinout investments deployed
Mindforge has entered its active investment stage thanks to the support of the Mayors of the East and West Midlands, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the Rigby Group and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) via the Invest in UK University R&D – Midlands campaign.
Universities UK sets goal to secure £100bn doubling of external investment into UK innovation by 2035
Universities UK is setting an ambition to help double the level of external investment flowing into UK university innovation by 2035. The major intervention will create jobs, support the government’s investment-led growth agenda and boost economies and communities in every region. The ambition – to reach £10 billion of external investment each year up from £5bn today – was unveiled by Universities UK at the UK Global R&D and Science Investment Summit in London this week.
Bus passengers in the East Midlands are among the most satisfied in England
Bus passengers in Nottingham are among the most satisfied in England – with 93 per cent reporting positive journeys. The results of Transport Focus’s annual Your Bus Journey survey place Nottingham second in England for satisfaction, just behind Warwickshire. Elsewhere, Derbyshire ranks sixth with 91 per cent passenger satisfaction in 2025, one place and one percentage point ahead of Nottinghamshire.
Americans don’t trust the internet at first glance. They investigate it.
Roman Samborskyi // Shutterstock Trust online is no longer a reflex. It is a judgment call. A recent study from Page One Power examines how Americans decide what information to believe online. The findings suggest a public that is wary, methodical, and more self-aware than popular narratives often assume. At a time when misinformation is a constant concern, the data reveals something more nuanced. Many Americans are not simply consuming content.
Americans don’t trust the internet at first glance. They investigate it.
Trust online is no longer a reflex. It is a judgment call. A recent study from Page One Power examines how Americans decide what information to believe online. The findings suggest a public that is wary, methodical, and more self-aware than popular narratives often assume. At a time when misinformation is a constant concern, the data reveals something more nuanced. Many Americans are not simply consuming content.
Americans don’t trust the internet at first glance. They investigate it.
Trust online is no longer a reflex. It is a judgment call. A recent study from Page One Power examines how Americans decide what information to believe online. The findings suggest a public that is wary, methodical, and more self-aware than popular narratives often assume. At a time when misinformation is a constant concern, the data reveals something more nuanced. Many Americans are not simply consuming content.
Americans don’t trust the internet at first glance. They investigate it.
Trust online is no longer a reflex. It is a judgment call. A recent study from Page One Power examines how Americans decide what information to believe online. The findings suggest a public that is wary, methodical, and more self-aware than popular narratives often assume. At a time when misinformation is a constant concern, the data reveals something more nuanced. Many Americans are not simply consuming content.
More than 5,000 join Ride revolution across Nottingham and Derby
A free travel app for commuters in Nottingham and Derby and backed by the Mayor of the East Midlands has been downloaded more than 5,000 times in the first six weeks since launch. Ride, which brings together a host of integrated transport information and ticketing options in one handy place, has been jointly created by Nottingham and Derby city councils. The app combines buses, trams, trains, walking, cycling and shared transport services, including car club, rental e-scooters and e-bikes.
East Midlands Combined County Authority
The campaign first launched in Newark & Sherwood during summer 2025, where hundreds of families took part and loved the experience. Now, it is back for February half-term – bigger and bolder and in collaboration with Bassetlaw District Council, Bolsover District Council and Nottinghamshire County Council. How does it work?
Mayor marks halfway point in new Loop around the East Midlands
The Mayor of the East Midlands is celebrating crossing the halfway point of her Loop around the region. Setting off in May 2025, shortly after the first anniversary of her election, Mayor Claire Ward has challenged herself to walk and cycle a circular 150-mile route around Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Derby by the second anniversary of her election in May 2026.
Millions invested and hundreds supported - 2025 was just the beginning for the mayor of the East Midlands
Jon Ball ExCo Mayor Claire Ward is celebrating a first full calendar year in office – having been elected as the inaugural Mayor of the East Midlands role in May 2024. And 2025 has been a year of successes leading the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA). Highlights of the past 12 months have included the publication of the Inclusive Growth Commission report, alongside strategies for growth, transport and boosting employment.
Residents in Sutton urged to have their say in Mayor's Big Transport Conversation
Jon Ball ExCo Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward has launched her Big Transport Conversation - and residents are being urged to get involved. Led by Mayor Claire, the Mayor's Transport Plan sets out a bold 15-year vision to transform the way people travel across the region. Now a 12-week public conversation has been launched, giving residents the chance to help shape a transport system that truly works for them.
Ollerton scheme expected to receive share of East Midland's mayor's £25m investment fund
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Mayor delivers on pledge to boost tourism and investment in the East Midlands
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Residents in limbo following asylum-seeker October delay
Residents remain frustrated over the ambiguity of the Home Office’s plans to house up to 2,000 migrants at RAF Scampton starting this autumn. The initial group of 200 single men, primarily from Afghanistan, Iraq and Iran, was scheduled to arrive this month, but this has been postponed due to delays in site surveys. This revelation came after West Lindsey Council was given the green light to advance a judicial review of the plans.
Police appeal after motorcyclist killed in Bassetlaw traffic collision
A change to the Highway Code, which could see drivers fined £1,000 for making a mistake when opening car doors, has been hailed by an expert. Since January last year, motorists have been encouraged to use the "Dutch Reach", which involves using your opposite hand to open the car door, in the hopes of making roads safer. By doing this, people are forced to turn their bodies, giving them a better view of the road behind them, in case someone is cycling, walking or driving nearby.
W. R. Berkley: Expect Share Price, Dividends To Rise As The Company Throws Off Cash (WRB)
Insurance company W. R. Berkley Corporation (NYSE:WRB) is throwing off so much cash that it's a money-printing machine. At the end of 2021, the company had free cash flow of $2.28 billion, a 30% increase over 2020. For 2022, free cash flow should rise an additional 5% to $2.4 billion. And the company has been returning cash back to shareholders. In March, the company approved a 3-for-2 common stock split, which was paid as a special stock dividend.
Stanford turned me into a machine with two settings: fast and broken
As Stanford students, we never think about stopping. We’re always running — running code, running events, running sports practice and running practice exercises for our careers. The constant competition and camaraderie keep us on our feet. A collective runner’s high keeps us in the race. But that high only lasts as long as we run. One winter morning last year, a fellow graduate student jumped from a balcony several floors above mine. He survived, thankfully.
Statue for Lady Rhondda (V-neck t-shirt in purple)
Wear your Statue for Lady Rhondda t-shirt with suffragette style! Every purchase will support the Monumental Welsh Women campaign to put Margaret Haig Mackworth on a pedestal in Newport Gwent.
Train Proper Straight Edge Use for Bonus Quality Paving
This article will talk about the proper use of the metal straight edge for good quality control during paving, but we have some extra tips to point out along the way. Let’s start with the reason for having a straight edge out on the paving job. The untrained or new laborer might not understand why the crew has an 8-foot-long, 11- or 14-gauge, 2 by 4 steel tube on the deck of the paver or in the back of the work truck.
Fuck Boris T shirt
A Space Angel original design unisex cotton T shirt with lettering on the front which states clearly how you feel about Boris Johnson. "Fuck Boris & fuck you for voting for him".
A finite element approach for determining the full load-displacement relationship of axially loaded shallow screw anchors, incorporating installation effects
Authors: Benjamin Cerfontaine b.cerfontaine@dundee.ac.uk, Jonathan A. Knappett, Michael J. Brown, Craig S. Davidson, Therar Al-Baghdadi, Yaseen U. Sharif, Andrew Brennan, … Show All … , Charles Augarde, William M. Coombs, Lei Wang, Anthony Blake, David J.
Can I still move house? Everything you need to know about moving to a new home in Tier 5 lockdown
© Provided by News Letter People can continue to view properties and move home despite the new national lockdown. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has imposed a national lockdown in the face of soaring coronavirus cases – but the government has said people “can still move home”, although people outside your household of support bubble should not help, “unless absolutely necessary”. A government spokesman said: “Estate and letting agents and removals firms can continue to work.
Link Building Begins with Research and Research is Nothing Without a Human Brain
A link requires two websites. If you’re building links one of those websites already belongs to you but when the other website comes in, that’s where it gets complicated. Finding that site at the other end of your would-be link takes research, and that research, if it’s going to be useful at all, requires a special, dedicated kind of person. Generating content and creating outreach are important, but the content and outreach have nowhere to go without a foundation made of good research.
How to Build Your Brand With Link Building
If you work in any wing of any kind of marketing, you are at least familiar with the concept of branding. Its a marketing imperative. You may have even heard/read this quote a few times: Consumers trust brands that they recognize. Despite a string of lawsuits over the quality of the product they provide, Taco Bell still grosses an enormous profit. Is it because Taco Bell has successfully established itself as a major component of our fast food culture for over a decade?
How to Pave Under a Carport
To get a carport—or parking garage—paving job done right, you have to start with the right tools and the right plan. Let’s take a look at how one crew accomplished the job with top quality results. Your crew can do this, too. For this type of job, one of the challenges is, of course, the low ceiling you have to work under. The close quarters will trap heat and air against your equipment and co-workers, so let’s talk about safety before we talk about the paving plan.
Last Day of Estate Sale!
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own. Last day of Estate Sale! Everything in the home must go! Sunday 8/16/20! 263 Cascade Dr. Crystal Lake. Come get the best deals of the sale! More Upcoming Events Local Event Local Event Featured Event Featured Event Featured Event Local Event Local Event Featured Events Featured Classifieds Crystal Lake-Cary Community Calendar
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