Barclays backs West Midlands Growth Summit as region focuses on turning investment into opportunity

Barclays has supported the inaugural West Midlands Growth Summit by sponsoring the pre-Summit event that brought together senior business, political and civic leaders ahead of the region's flagship growth event.

Held at Coventry Cathedral, the pre-Summit event welcomed more than 150 business leaders from across the West Midlands alongside Government representatives and regional stakeholders to discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping the region's future growth.

The Summit, delivered by West Midlands mayor Richard Parker, will today focus on accelerating investment, supporting business growth and strengthening the region's position as a driver of UK economic growth.

The Summit objective is to showcase progress against the West Midlands Growth Plan, announce new investments and partnerships and strengthen collaboration between the private and public sectors.

Speaking at the event, Paul Faulkner (pictured), vice chairman, Midlands, Barclays, said: “The West Midlands is entering an important period in its development.

“Across the region we're seeing investment, innovation and regeneration that will help shape the future of our towns, cities and communities.

“Those projects are important, but their real value is measured by the impact they have on the people and businesses around them.

“Whether it's a smaller business winning work through a growing supply chain, an entrepreneur securing new opportunities, or a young person developing the skills needed to succeed in the jobs of the future, that's where growth becomes meaningful.

“As a major employer and long-term partner to businesses and communities across the region, Barclays is proud to support conversations that help turn ambition into action and ensure the benefits of growth are felt across the West Midlands.”

The pre-Summit event formed part of Barclays' wider commitment to supporting regional growth and prosperity through its recently launched Backing Britain's Future commitment, which aims to support 1.5 million businesses and entrepreneurs by 2030.

The initiative is designed to help businesses access the finance, expertise and networks they need to start, scale and grow.

Barclays continues to support businesses, entrepreneurs and communities across the West Midlands through its banking services, regional business support, skills programmes and community initiatives.

This includes Barclays LifeSkills, which helps young people develop employability, financial and enterprise skills, as well as programmes focused on improving digital confidence and raising awareness of fraud and scams.