Innovation in Birmingham and the West Midlands
This blog was written as part of the 2025 Birmingham Economic Review, an annual report produced by University of Birmingham/City-REDI in partnership with the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. Read the full report.
By Steve Whitmarsh, CEO, runyourfleet
When people think of innovation, it is easy to think of AI and digitisation, forgetting that innovation takes many forms and is completely sector agnostic.
Whilst some sectors lend themselves well to innovation (think life sciences, engineering and software development), where would we be without innovation in some of the humblest every day settings? In our own kitchens we have toasters, kettles, microwaves, dishwashers and, the latest must-have the air fryer…
Often taken for granted, these everyday items are the result of innovation - delivering solutions to problems, making life easier and more efficient.. It is fair to say that innovation has driven change in all of our lives and will continue to do so, every day.
Innovation has always been a driving force in Birmingham and the West Midlands, shaping its journey from industrial roots to breakthroughs in life sciences. For those that haven’t visited The Think Tank, you might not be aware that Birmingham is where gas lighting, the electric kettle, the steam engine, the pneumatic tire, and even hip replacements - often referred to as the Birmingham Hip - originated. And of course, the region also has a long-standing reputation for automotive innovation.
Powered by its universities, accelerators, and investment zones, the region is continuing to proudly foster a culture of experimentation and growth, whilst initiatives across the West Midlands, like the West Midlands Innovation Programme and its Flexible Innovation Fund are seeking to equip the region with the skills and infrastructure to become a national leader in innovation.
The challenge will be to ensure that these opportunities are made available to all so Birmingham and the region can foster future talent and capitalise on being the youngest major city in Europe.
The arrival of HS2 is set to further accelerate this innovation landscape - connecting Birmingham to London in under an hour is the equivalent of being in zone 5 of the London Underground and will dramatically improve the regions access to talent, investors, and collaborators.
Already, the HS2 corridor is promising significant economic growth, with new homes, jobs, and commercial developments emerging around its hubs. This enhanced connectivity will not only attract inward investment, but also enable Birmingham-based innovators to scale nationally and globally.
Innovation at runyourfleet is deeply embedded in our operations, and our platform, recognised with the King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation, exemplifies how scalable, data-driven solutions can transform fleet management for organisations of all sizes.
By addressing complex rental needs, enabling predictive maintenance, and offering flexible leasing and salary sacrifice schemes, we have developed a cloud-based system that can quickly adapt to the evolving requirements of our customers.
Artificial intelligence now underpins our next phase of development, supporting smarter decision-making, automating routine processes, and enhancing safety. As the transition to electric vehicles accelerates and regulatory demands grow, we must continue to innovate, supporting businesses with the agility and insight required to adapt and thrive.
As we prepare for the next chapter in Birmingham’s economic story, it is clear that innovation is not just part of Birmingham’s history, but will be the lifeblood of Birmingham’s future.
By embracing AI, leveraging infrastructure like HS2, and nurturing a collaborative ecosystem, we can unlock new possibilities for growth.
The future is not just arriving - it is being built here, in Birmingham.
