The new Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Peter Kyle, joined the event to underline the importance of national priorities working hand in hand with local plans - and to give the plan Government backing.
The Mayor was also joined by members of his taskforces - the groups set up by the Mayor to help guide policy and actions that tackle some of the region’s biggest challenges and deliver the Mayor’s key priorities.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “We’re here to shout about the West Midlands and make sure that Government and business see the scale of our ambition. The Growth Plan is rooted in the strengths of our region - from advanced manufacturing and health tech to the creative industries and clean energy. Built with business, backed by government and designed for delivery.
“But it will only succeed if national priorities and local action come together.
“I came to Westminster to make the case that our region is ready to deliver growth, create good jobs and tackle the inequalities that hold too many people back. The West Midlands will not be an afterthought - we’ll be at the forefront of Britain’s future economy.”
Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, said: “I’ve only been in post a short time, but Richard has already made sure the voice of the West Midlands is loud and clear in Westminster. I was delighted to stand alongside him and regional leaders in Parliament, making the case for jobs, investment and opportunity in this region.
“The change people expect will only happen if we work together - Government and Mayors side by side - to deliver for communities across the country.”
Sarah Coombes, MP for West Bromwich, said: “The Black Country has the skills, the history and the determination to be at the heart of the West Midlands Growth Plan and the UK Industrial Strategy. From advanced manufacturing to new green industries, this is about building on our strengths and creating the jobs of the future right here.
“Richard has shown real leadership in bringing our region’s priorities to Westminster - it was a fantastic event. I’ll keep working with him to make sure the Black Country has the support and investment it needs to thrive.”
The Growth Plan sets out flagship projects across the region, including:
- Across Birmingham City Centre, including the Sports Quarter and Birmingham Knowledge Quarter
- The Coventry City Centre and Investment Zone Growth Corridor including Green Power Park
- In the Black Country, the Green Innovation Corridor, and Wolverhampton – Walsall corridor and Metro extension connecting Sandwell and Dudley
Richard Parker added: “These are not just ideas on paper - they’re projects that can deliver for people right now. But they need the right backing and the right partnerships. That is why I am in Westminster, making the case for the West Midlands at the very heart of Government.”
Joe Reeves, Deputy Chief Executive of Midland Heart, attended the event and said: “Housing is the cornerstone of inclusive growth, and the West Midlands Housing Association Partnership (WMHAP) is proud to be working with the Mayor and the Combined Authority to ensure that investment in homes goes hand in hand with investment in jobs, skills and communities.
“We’re working with the Homes Taskforce to identify systemic and local barriers to accelerating affordable housing delivery, and recommend practical interventions that will unlock delivery and growth at pace and at scale.”
Tani Dulay, Chief Executive of Woodbourne Group, who sits on the Mayor’s Taskforce and attended the event said: “The West Midlands Growth Plan reflects the UK Government’s Invest 2035 strategy to drive innovation, regional prosperity and investment in high-value sectors. Woodbourne Group was proud to be in Parliament, supporting its presentation as part of the £4 billion Birmingham Knowledge Quarter.
“In partnership with the Mayor and our partners, we are attracting global capital, creating high-skilled jobs and reinforcing the West Midlands as the cornerstone of the UK’s innovation economy.”
Under the West Midlands Growth Plan:
- Each worker will have £8,600 more in their pocket
- Economic inactivity will reduce with 93,000 more people in work
- The region's economy will grow by £17.4billion
- More prosperous and resilient places will be delivering towards 12,200 homes per year
- The region will be carbon neutral by 2041
Read the Growth Plan in full - https://growth.wmca.org.uk/assets/WestMidlandsGrowthPlan.pdf
