Sneak a peek in this week's EG: East Midlands...

This week's East Midlands Focus is jam-packed with the latest news and views from the region. Here's a quick snapshot of what's inside this weekend's magazine... 

Profile:  I recently visited Leicester to catch up with Homes and Communities Agency's regional director Margaret Allen to find out more about the government body's future strategy. The HCA is currently replanning and rephrasing many of its schemes to meet the needs of the current market. Allen talks about both the HCA's views on regeneration and how opportunities can come from recession.

Market Overview: Elaine Cavanagh takes a look at office rents and incentives in Nottingham, Derby and Leicester. Some believe that Nottingham city centre could discourage investors if it doesn't address the looming undersupply of quality office space. Meanwhile, big shed deals have been few and far between across the East Midlands this year but there are tentative signs of enquiries emerging say agents. The retail market remains tough and this Christmas will be make or break for some beleaguered high street retailers. Westfield Derby and Hammerson's Highcross Quarter in Leicester will hope to draw in the shoppers, however Westfield needs to up its game in Nottingham and crack on with its long promised redevelopment of the Broadmarsh centre to allow Nottingham to truly compete.

Case Study: Roxylight gives its first ever in-depth interview to the press since the £750m plans were unveiled for its EastsideCity development in Nottingham back in 2004.Daniel Cunningham visits the site and quizzes Roxylight's md Nigel Brunskill.

Profile: Prospect Leicestershire: I talk to David Hughes the chief executive of the newly created economic development company. Hughes wants to build on and replicate the success of its predecessor, the now dissolved Leicester Regeneration Company. His priorities include getting on with the £150m Station Gateway project which will include a shiny new 300,000 sq ft office district for the city...

And if that's not enough for you, this week's Focus also goes North of the border to East Scotland and the Scottish capital - Edinburgh.