West Midlands Combined Authority launches Forum for Growth
Published: Saturday 10 Jun 2017
The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is staging a launch event at the end of next month. The event will bring together central and local government representatives with colleagues from the private sector and offer them the opportunity to discuss and debate key issues around growing the region's economy.
The West Midlands Forum For Growth on 28 June is being organised by Movers & Shakers; in partnership with the WMCA and UKTI, and in association with Bilfinger GVA.
The WMCA's region has an economy worth £85bn of GVA; with growth running at a 4% average (2009-2014), making it one of the fastest growing economies in the UK outside London. Empowered through devolution, the newly formed Combined Authority offers enormous potential to grow the UK economy and work alongside investors, developers and the construction industry, with the opportunity to unlock a projected £8bn worth of investment.
The one day event, at The Vox Conference Centre in Birmingham, will showcase the ambition and vision for the WMCA and will cover: infrastructure (HS2 and the interconnected transport network), industry, regeneration, skills, place making and homes.
Councillor Bob Sleigh, Chair of the WMCA's Shadow Board, said:
The creation of the West Midlands Combined Authority provides us with a unique opportunity to take control of our own destiny and transform the region's economy through a robust, focused and ambitious programme of change.
From the outset we've said that we can only achieve change by working with a range of partners from co-design to delivery. So I am delighted that our launch event next month will bring together major players and organisations from different sectors, who will have the chance to not only listen to our plans but also get involved with us moving forward
Leigh Natasha Salter, Managing Director of Movers & Shakers, commented:
The WMCA represents a massive opportunity for inward investment and regional growth. Movers & Shakers is delighted to be organising this prestigious event and playing its part in promoting the potential of the West Midlands
For more information on the event visit: www.westmidlandsforumforgrowth.co.uk