An ambitious plan to make the Midlands an “engine of growth” was unveiled today at a special event at the University of Birmingham attended by senior politicians and business leaders. The Midlands Engine Prospectus – the first of its kind in the country – is the result of 11 Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) coming together with a joint plan to boost productivity, attract inward investment, increase connectivity and build a regional tourism offer.
The new prospectus, supported by the Secretary for Business, Innovation and Skills, Sajid Javid, who attended the launch at the Bramall Music Building, is focused on five key themes – skills, innovation, transport, promoting the ‘Engine’, and finance for business – and is part of the Government’s wider plans to support jobs and growth. If the Midlands region matches the predicted growth rate for the UK over the next 15 years, it could create 300,000 jobs and boost the national economy by £34 billion.
Mr Javid also confirmed that the region will receive £5 million of support for a new trade and investment package to reach new markets and boost exports. He will lead the first Midlands Engine trade mission next year to promote the region to investors and trade partners, delivering more growth, exports and jobs.
“The Midlands is the heartland of our thriving manufacturing sector and home to 25 universities, playing a strong role in the recovery of the UK economy,” said Mr Javid. “Over the last year, private sector employment in the Midlands grew more than three times faster than London and the South East.
“But there are more opportunities to capitalise on the Midlands’ natural strengths and assets and make it an engine for growth. Through this prospectus, which sets out the region’s own vision to unlock greater economic growth, it’s time to fire up the Midlands Engine. I commend the leadership shown by the Midlands Local Enterprise Partnerships to come together and pool resources to work towards the shared goal of greater growth for the whole region.”
Professor Sir David Eastwood, Vice Chancellor of the University of Birmingham, said: “As England’s first civic university, it is fitting that the University of Birmingham has convened the inaugural Midlands’ Engine Summit. We welcome the Government’s growing commitment to our region.”
During the Business Secretary’s visit, he also opened part of the Energy Research Accelerator at the University of Birmingham, which will benefit from a £60 million Government investment to deliver a step change in the impact of energy research in the UK. This follows the Chancellor’s announcement last week of a major devolution deal for the West Midlands.
Notes to Editors
The overarching aims of the Midlands Engine Prospectus include:
- Completing a more comprehensive analysis of the Midlands Engine economy. This will be used to update the aim and objectives for the Midlands Engine.
- Developing a Midlands Engine Productivity Improvement Plan, based on best practice recommendations currently in development within parts of the region.