WMCA and National Physical Laboratory (NPL) sign landmark agreement to boost innovation and growth

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) have teamed up to accelerate innovation-led growth across the region.

This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is the first of its kind between NPL and a Combined Authority. It will give local businesses access to world-class scientific expertise and cutting-edge measurement technologies.

NPL, the UK’s National Metrology Institute, operates over 350 state-of-the-art laboratories and employs more than 1,400 scientists, engineers and experts. Its precision measurement capabilities underpin innovation and competitiveness in sectors where accuracy is critical.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Our region has a proud history of industrial innovation and a growing reputation as a hub for cutting-edge developments – from advanced manufacturing to life sciences.

“This partnership with NPL will help us build on that legacy and unlock new opportunities for our businesses to grow and create the high-value jobs we need.”

Dr Peter Thompson CBE, CEO of NPL added: “We are looking forward to working with the WMCA to support innovation-led growth and help unlock the full potential of the region’s diverse and dynamic businesses.”

“We already work with over 60 organisations within the region, supporting priority sectors such as health and telecoms through work conducted with organisations such as Xstrahl and Arden Photonics. We are also proud to play a leading role within the thriving tech and cybersecurity landscape via our operation of the UK Telecoms Lab (UKTL) in Solihull.”

Through the MoU, businesses across the West Midlands - from global manufacturers to emerging start-ups - will gain access to the world leading measurement expertise needed to innovate confidently, compete globally, and grow sustainably.

This agreement supports the ambitions of the West Midlands Growth Plan, which aims to create jobs and raise living standards by unlocking opportunities, attracting greater investment and improving productivity. It also supports the wider growth priorities outlined Invest 2035: the UK’s modern industrial strategy.

And it comes ahead of the Government’s Regional Investment Summit in Birmingham on October 21, where the WMCA will showcase major investment opportunities to global investors.

Mayor Richard Parker during a recent visit to Nonacus medical research laboratory

The MoU outlines a programme of joint activity, including collaboration on research and development and joint funding bids to key organisations like Horizon Europe and UKRI. There will also be extra support for businesses through skills development, demonstrator projects and initiatives such as Measurement for Business (M4B) and Analysis for Innovators (A4I).

The partnership will focus on strategic collaboration themes such as:

• Health and MedTech
• Advanced Manufacturing, Digital Engineering, Robotics and Autonomous Systems
• Defence and Security
• Advanced Connectivity Technologies
• Frontier Technologies: Quantum Technologies, AI and Data Science

Over the next six months, WMCA will support NPL’s engagement with regional SMEs and cluster leadership groups, convene workshops to build groups in priority sectors, and promote opportunities for collaboration.