What is the 'Team Derby' announced in the Budget?

The chancellor announced government backing for the "Team Derby" initiative in the Budget

In the middle of her Budget speech on Wednesday, Chancellor Rachel Reeves told the Commons: "I'm pleased to be supporting Team Derby, an initiative to drive growth in one of our defence industry hubs."

But what exactly was she talking about?

Reeves has been a regular visitor to the East Midlands city but she's not set foot in Mickleover, Markeaton or Mackworth, nor, publicly, the city centre.

Rolls-Royce, however, has welcomed the first woman chancellor on more than one occasion, both before and after she got the keys to 11 Downing Street.

Why?

Because Reeves has been keen to highlight government investment in defence, with the Derby-based manufacturer a major winner.

Rachel Reeves visited Rolls-Royce in May

Rolls-Royce is getting billions of pounds from the Treasury to build reactors for nuclear submarines.

The previous government Derby named Derby as the home of "Great British Railways," which will oversee train services across the UK.

Both decisions were seen as major votes of confidence in Derby, but local politicians are keen to ensure that the city as a whole reaps the benefit.

That in essence, is what the "Team Derby" initiative is all about.

There's no extra money behind the scheme, but government officials will be involved in talks with local businesses, politicians and universities to help realise Derby's potential.

The accompanying documents to Wednesday's Budget speak of a "partnership" to "maximise" the investment in Derby.

The Labour MP for Derby South, Baggy Shanker - himself a former Rolls-Royce employee - told the BBC that he and the Derby North MP Catherine Atkinson had been in discussions with the chancellor "over a number of months."

"I'm delighted that we've got her backing and this is now going to happen," he said.

One specific idea could be encouraging Rolls-Royce to build new office blocks in Derby city centre, he added.

Derby South MP Baggy Shanker says "Team Derby" is an exciting initiative

The initiative follows the example set by "Team Barrow", another place where a defence manufacturer, BAE Systems, is a major employer.

In July, the Cumbrian town announced a 10-year growth plan.

"Team Derby" will be chaired by the Labour mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward.

She said the city was stepping into a "new era of growth" and work would start "immediately" to ensure people "feel the full benefit".

The Labour leader of Derby City Council, Nadine Peatfield, said there was now "an opportunity to turn national investment into long-term regional prosperity".

Plenty of positivity then, from local politicians, but it is still very early days for "Team Derby" and many will be sceptical about its ability to deliver.

Will this just be another talking shop, or bring about genuine change? We'll have to wait and see.