Mayor vows to put an extra £8,600 in people’s pockets with growth plan

West Midlands mayor Richard Parker will today pledge to put an extra £8,600 back into the pockets of working people through his plan for growth.

The mayor (pictured) says the West Midlands Growth Plan will create 100,000 good jobs in fast-growing industries, while getting tens of thousands of residents into work, improving public transport, and building 120,000 homes.

The plan also sets out actions to reduce poverty and deprivation and make further progress towards net zero.

The mayor will be in Wolverhampton to launch his plan to grow the region’s £77 billion economy by more than £17 billion – bringing higher wages and better opportunities for working people.

Under the plan, there will be more support for business leaders and entrepreneurs and backing for workers in the everyday economy such as teachers, bus drivers, shop workers and carers.

Towns and cities and their high streets will be transformed through a series of major investments including £2.4 billion of improvements to the region’s transport network.

The West Midlands Growth Plan highlights five key industries where the region has a leading edge and significant potential for growth and the creation of skilled, secure, and high-paid jobs that people can build their futures around. They are: 

• Advanced engineering, including electric vehicles and battery technology
• Clean tech and energy
• Health and medical tech
• Digital and the creative industries
• Professional and financial services

The mayor said: “The West Midlands is full of untapped talent and potential. We’ve got brilliant people, proud communities, and a legacy of invention and industry.

“We’re the biggest region outside London, with world-class universities, global brands and incredible talent. When the West Midlands thrives, the whole country benefits.

“My Growth Plan is about unlocking opportunity for everyone, in every place. It’s written with business, backed by government and will improve the lives of everyone.”

Screenwriter and Peaky Blinders creator, Steven Knight, is helping to tell the region’s story.

Writing in the introduction to the Growth Plan, he said: “This document represents the people of the West Midlands climbing up on our rooftops and shouting out the remarkable news about our region to the whole world. And we have lots to shout about.

“Where other regions have made a song and dance about their attributes, the people of the West Midlands have been just getting on with it. Making things like trains, planes, and of course automobiles – even London’s black cabs.

“But guess what? That is all about to change. Right now, this day, month, year, it’s our turn. We’re making the case for the West Midlands and it starts here.”

Some of the growth opportunities in the mayor’s Growth Plan were also highlighted in the Business Commission West Midlands report, published last year by the Greater Birmingham, Black Country and Coventry & Warwickshire Chambers of Commerce.

Raj Kandola, acting deputy CEO of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: "The West Midlands is an excellent place to start, grow or invest in a business, however, fundamental issues remain which continue to impact our long-term growth.

"It is encouraging to see the West Midlands Combined Authority recognising some of these key challenges and embracing many recommendations of the Business Commission West Midlands with its long-term approach to maximising the region's growth potential and improving the prosperity of local residents.

"The 'key growth industries' highlighted in the Plan represent crucial strengths aligned with the national industrial strategy, and important opportunities for the region to grasp. We must also not underestimate the critical contribution of place-making sectors such as hospitality and retail - the 'everyday economy' - to the region.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the West Midlands Combined Authority to support businesses of all sectors across the region to thrive, driving economic growth and prosperity."

Read the mayor’s West Midlands Growth Plan in full.