Report predicts jobs and economy boost for region

The West Midlands economy could be boosted by billions over the next decade, an independent report has predicted, alongside a jobs boom in the region.

The report, commissioned by the universities of Warwick and Birmingham, found the region has the potential to create nearly 100,000 new jobs and deliver an extra £6.5bn to the UK economy by 2035.

West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said the report, which comes ahead of a regional growth plan to be published in June, said it was a region of "real opportunity".

The report is by Public First, a policy, research and strategy consultancy.

Public First grounded its vision of economic renewal for the region in advanced manufacturing, green energy, electric vehicles, logistics, professional services and digital innovation.

The analysis, based on other regions which increased productivity and employment growth in the same sectors, predicted

• Up to 99,000 additional jobs across key industries, nearly double current projections

• Growth outpacing the UK average, reversing a decade-long trend of regional under-performance

• A £6.5bn addition to economic growth, generated through focused investment in high-productivity sectors

It showed how each of the seven West Midlands local authorities – Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton – and the region's universities had a part to play in driving economic growth.

West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said: "This report confirms what I, and others, have been saying for a long time – when we back the West Midlands to succeed, we can deliver real jobs, real growth and real opportunity. And we can do that in every corner of the region.

"After almost a decade of under-performing on growth – below the national average – we need a focus on our key industries that can be the catalyst we need to become a region of global significance."

Public First's chief executive, Rachel Wolf, said: "Our modelling shows that this is a place currently under-performing compared to its potential.

"Learning the lessons from international comparators could significantly increase productivity and jobs in the region – giving the West Midlands a clear route forward."

The report stressed the role of local leaders and devolved powers, but also called for a stronger partnership with central government to maximise the impact of investment and reforms.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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