GENSOCIAL
Around £12 billion worth of investment opportunities for the Midlands will be showcased at an event which will help to put the region on the global map as a place to do business.
The Midlands UK Forum for Growth, which starts tomorrow (24th) and runs until Thursday, will put opportunities in the region’s housing, transport, regeneration and green energy space under the spotlight.
The three-day exhibition – which is being led by the Midlands Engine Partnership – is the first regional trade and investment event of its kind and will bring together public and private sector leaders from the Midlands and investors from around the world.
The virtual event will give delegates an insight into the region’s strategy, policy and plans for sustainable growth around infrastructure, investment and innovation, skills and education, homes and communities, clean energy and technology.
Speakers include Midlands Engine chairman Sir John Peace, Mayor of Leicester Sir Peter Soulsby and West Midlands Mayor Andy Street.
Sir John Peace, chairman of the Midlands Engine, said: “Right now, as the world continues to fight Covid-19 and we all face our own regional and national challenges, we also have an opportunity to build back stronger, better and greener.
“The theme for Midlands UK reflects this: ‘The Future. Ours to Make.’ It recognises that, as part of fulfilling the incredible potential for growth in the Midlands, championed by the Midlands Engine, investment in sustainable infrastructure, our region’s businesses and our position at the heart of a green recovery are vitally important.”
The event comes as the UK government looks to drive forward plans to ‘level up’ the country with a 10-point plan for a green recovery.
According to organisers, The Midlands – which is home to almost 11 million people – drives 22 per cent of England’s exports and generates £239 billion for the UK economy each year.
The region has seen significant growth over the past five years, but for the government to fulfil its promises to level up the region, regional leaders are calling for further investment across sectors such as green energy, digital and transport connectivity to help drive the growth that the country needs and to reach net zero.
Communities Secretary and Midlands Engine champion, Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP, said: “A thriving Midlands Engine is essential to a successful UK economy, and will be vital to the recovery of the country from the pandemic as we all begin to build back better.
“That’s why this government is backing the Midlands with the investment the region needs to grow its £250 billion economy. With the substantial financial support that the Government has provided, we can ensure that its businesses are able to fire on all cylinders and truly level up communities across the region.
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“As Midlands Engine Champion it is great to see how the partnership is promoting the wealth of investment opportunities the Midlands has to offer, both nationally and globally, as a region at the vanguard of our green recovery and the heart of the country’s transport and logistics.”
For further information about the UK Midlands Forum for Growth or to register a place visit www.midlandsukforumforgrowth.co.uk
