West Midlands: setting out a revival plan for prosperity

The West Midlands region is one of the largest networks of urban communities outside of the capital and is home to over 4 million people. Its central location places it at the heart of the UK’s transport network and firmly positions the region as a dynamic and ambitious place to live and work.

The region is not without its challenges. It has a higher-than-average unemployment rate of 5.5% compared to 4% for the UK, and overall deprivation is high with 34.5% of local areas in the most deprived in the country. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed pre-existing disparities in the local economy. It has highlighted the growing challenges the region faces and exacerbated the inequalities in health, educational attainment, innovation and economic development.

However, as we emerge from the pandemic there are now opportunities to do things differently. Opportunities to champion the region on the world stage, to transform local infrastructure and to stimulate job creation, securing an inclusive workforce that is fit for the future.

Following their election in May 2021, the newly elected mayor must champion a strong economic vision for the region. Working collaboratively with both the private and public sectors to capitalise on future opportunities, such as the UK City of Culture coming to Coventry and the Birmingham Commonwealth Games scheduled for 2022, bringing new investment opportunities and showcasing the region’s dynamism on the international stage.

The CBI has created a business manifesto, developed in partnership with our members, which sets out three guiding principles for the mayor:

1. Champion regional dynamism and global competitiveness to raise living standards
2. Transform digital and physical infrastructure on the race to net zero
3. Stimulate job creation and secure an inclusive workforce for the future.

The challenges faced by the region are not insurmountable. This manifesto sets out a way where business and local government can work together to ensure that the West Midlands achieves its full potential during the economic recovery and beyond. The CBI, alongside the wider business community, stands ready to support to ensure the West Midlands can revive and thrive in the future. Download your copy of the manifesto to find out more.

Get involved

If you are interested in further contributing to our regional policy work, three-point regional actions plans are currently being pulled together across the English regions based upon key themes from Reviving Regions:

• Build vibrant local labour markets
• Transform local infrastructure to facilitate new ways of working
• Inspire world-class, innovative businesses to invest in all regions.

Ensure your voice is heard on these action plans. 

If you would like more information, or to get involved with those being developed in the West Midlands and East Midlands please contact Matthew Lowe.