Council leader to deliver keynote at Chamber’s Birmingham Economic Review

The leader of Birmingham City Council will be the keynote speaker at the launch of the Birmingham Economic Review this week.

Councillor John Cotton (pictured) has been confirmed for Thursday’s event at The Exchange in Birmingham city centre.

The Birmingham Economic Review is an annual publication written by the University of Birmingham City-REDI in partnership with the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.

This year’s report will provide a comprehensive analysis of the city’s economy amid the wider geopolitical landscape, and actionable measures that businesses and stakeholders from across the city-region can take to drive economic growth.

A born and bred Brummie, Cllr Cotton became leader of Birmingham City Council, Europe’s largest local authority, in May 2023. 

He previously held portfolios covering adult social care, social justice, health, housing, community safety and equalities. 

First elected as a councillor in 1999, he represents the communities of the city’s Glebe Farm and Tile Cross Ward.

He is also the former national chair of Labour Housing Group and a member of both the Labour and Co-operative parties.

This year’s review will assess the city’s capabilities for innovation and adaptation, the potential of its resident workforce, major transport and infrastructure projects underway, how we can achieve inclusive and more ecologically sustainable growth, and opportunities ahead to enhance the attractiveness of the city to visitors and investors.

The 2025 review will also reflect on decisions made over the past year by the Government, the impact these have had the local economy, and key opportunities to unlock the full potential of Greater Birmingham businesses.

Emily Stubbs, head of policy at the GBCC, said: “We are very pleased to welcome John Cotton as keynote speaker at the launch of this year's economic review.

“We look forward to hearing his perspective on how the city region can unlock the full benefits associated with the Birmingham Knowledge Quarter and attract more inward and foreign direct investment, whilst tackling challenges around access to employment and inequality.”

Also speaking at the event will be Professor Anne Green, director of City-REDI, Carmen Watson, chair of Pertemps Network Group, and Steve Rigby, co-chief executive of the Rigby Group.

Register your free place to attend the launch of the Review.