West Midlands
THE WEST MIDLANDS : THE UK ’ S HEARTLANDS FOR BUSINESS EVENTS
We focus on a region with a big history and economic legacy , and examine how collaborative efforts are now hothousing new , innovative businesses , start-ups and technologies . It is an approach that has also created a rich ecosystem for organisers to tap into to deliver a variety of impactful events
W est Midlands expertise and technologies have impacted the global economy for over 200 years and , today , that legacy is being built upon with new achievements as the region continues to power its pedigree of invention in defining the 21st century .
From steampower to battery technology , from Ibuprofen to life-saving diagnostics , the region ’ s know-how and skills are also fuelling the knowledge economy and attracting major business events at the cutting-edge of invention across numerous sectors .
We can identify three key features that make the region a special place for innovation and fertile ground for businesses to thrive :
Transformational tech hub : As the UK ’ s fastest-growing tech sector , the West Midlands is accelerating technological transformation at scale and pace .
A trusted heartland of R & D excellence : It is a place where breakthroughs begin , offering a world-significant cluster of R & D and historic proving ground for businesses to test and validate , to make and scale .
A mindset for disruption : The region is home to one of Europe ’ s youngest and most diverse and dynamic talent pools .
Left : Meetings central : Birmingham sits at the heart of the event action
Visitor economy Today the West Midlands visitor economy is worth a record £ 16.3bn , supporting more jobs than ever before . A record 145.4m visitors were welcomed in 2023 , up 3 % from 2022 , when the region hosted the Commonwealth Games . Six significant business conferences and six major sporting events helped produce that record number and 2024 has so far seen 17 sporting event bidding opportunities being worked on , as well as 52 business conference opportunities .
Helping drive all this is the West Midlands Growth Company ( WMGC ) – the region ’ s official investment promotion agency , which also acts as the Secretariat to the Major Events Fund , a £ 6m fund created from the Commonwealth Games Legacy Enhancement Fund . Ten cultural and sporting events have so far been selected for support and are expected to provide an estimated direct £ 11.5m boost to the local economy .
The region is not only the top performing UK location outside of London for FDI employment creation , but has achieved ‘ Destination Development Partnership ’ ( DDP ) status ( DDPs are designed to drive economic growth , across local authorities , through the visitor economy ), giving it a fund that is one of only two pilots in the UK . The partnership is comprised of Birmingham , Solihull & Black Country
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