West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker will today unveil his bold plan to reboot the region\u2019s economy, raise living standards, and put an extra \u00a38,600 back into the pockets of working people.<\/p>\n
The West Midlands Growth Plan will drive a new era of prosperity in all parts of the region by creating 100,000 good jobs in fast-growing industries, getting tens of thousands of residents into work, improving public transport, and building 120,000 homes.<\/p>\n
The plan also sets out actions to reduce poverty and deprivation and make further progress towards net zero.<\/p>\n
The Mayor will be in Wolverhampton to launch his plan to grow the region\u2019s \u00a377 billion economy by more than \u00a317 billion \u2013 bringing higher wages and better opportunities for working people.<\/p>\n
These long-term priorities will unleash the full potential of the region\u2019s people, places, and businesses.<\/p>\n
Driving the growth ambitions over the next 10 years will be the region\u2019s young, diverse population, its entrepreneurial and innovative spirit, and its six world-class universities.<\/p>\n
There will be more support for business leaders and entrepreneurs and backing for workers in the everyday economy such as teachers, bus drivers, shop workers and carers.<\/p>\n
Towns and cities and their high streets will be transformed through a series of major investments including \u00a32.4 billion of improvements to the region\u2019s transport network.<\/p>\n
Building on the growth driving sectors set out the government\u2019s Industrial Strategy, the West Midlands Growth Plan highlights five key industries where the region has a leading edge and significant potential for growth and the creation of skilled, secure, and high-paid jobs that people can build their futures around. They are:<\/p>\n
The launch comes as the region prepares to host a global investment summit in partnership with government later this year which will set out investment opportunities across the West Midlands and UK to international business leaders and investors.<\/p>\n
The Mayor said: \u201cSince being elected, I\u2019ve wasted no time tackling the issues that matter most to local people \u2013 good jobs, affordable homes, reliable transport, and thriving businesses. These priorities are at the heart of everything I\u2019m working for.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe West Midlands is full of untapped talent and potential. We\u2019ve got brilliant people, proud communities, and a legacy of invention and industry.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re the biggest region outside London, with world-class universities, global brands and incredible talent. When the West Midlands thrives, the whole country benefits. My Growth Plan is about unlocking opportunity for everyone, in every place. It\u2019s written with business, backed by government and will improve the lives of everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n
Industry minister Sarah Jones said: \u201cThe West Midlands is a powerhouse for investment and it\u2019s great to see the region build on our modern Industrial Strategy to help open up exciting new opportunities, unlock growth, and create jobs across the region.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur Plan for Change will unleash the full potential of the UK\u2019s cities and regions. Our Industrial Strategy is slashing electricity bills for more than 1,000 businesses in the West Midlands, and we are committed to ensuring our long-term plan supports jobs and raises living standards.\u201d<\/p>\n
Screenwriter and Peaky Blinders creator, Steven Knight, is helping to tell the region\u2019s story.<\/p>\n
Writing in the introduction to the Growth Plan, he said: \u201cThis document represents the people of the West Midlands climbing up on our rooftops and shouting out the remarkable news about our region to the whole world. And we have lots to shout about.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhere other regions have made a song and dance about their attributes, the people of the West Midlands have been just getting on with it. Making things like trains, planes, and of course automobiles \u2013 even London\u2019s black cabs.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut guess what? That is all about to change. Right now, this day, month, year, it\u2019s our turn. We\u2019re making the case for the West Midlands and it starts here.”<\/p>\n
Greg Clark, executive chair of University of Warwick Innovation District and a member of the Government\u2019s Industrial Strategy Advisory Council, said: \u201cThe West Midlands is Britain\u2019s Industrial Strategy powerhouse. All eight of the UK\u2019s high growth sectors \u2013 from advanced manufacturing to professional and business services \u2013 are strong here.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe region has the youngest and one of the fastest growing populations in Britain, eager to be trained in the skills that bring a prosperous future. We are a hotbed of innovation, powered by world-class universities.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese assets, and more, when deployed together, and in partnership with the Government and investors as set out in this Plan, will not only bring future success to the West Midlands but to Britain too.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Growth Plan will build on new projects and funding secured by the Mayor since he took office.<\/p>\n
This includes hundreds of new social homes, \u00a32.4bn to improve transport, more than \u00a310m of support for local businesses, five million free bus journeys ahead of bringing the network back under public control and a flagship Investment Zone, offering tax breaks and other benefits for companies.<\/p>\n
The Mayor has also agreed a new tram line to East Birmingham which has proved pivotal in landing the \u00a33bn Sports Quarter regeneration project by American financier and Birmingham City FC co-owner Tom Wagner.<\/p>\n