Second speaker announced for Birmingham Economic Review

Leader of Birmingham City Council John Cotton has been announced as the second speaker of the upcoming Birmingham Economic Review.

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 (GBCC).

It will assess the city’s capabilities for innovation and adaptation, the potential of its resident workforce, the major transport and infrastructure projects on the horizon, how to achieve inclusive and more ecologically sustainable growth in economic recovery, and opportunities ahead to enhance the attractiveness of the city to visitors and investors.

Councillor John Cotton was elected as the Leader of Birmingham City Council in May 2023, alongside Cllr Sharon Thompson as deputy leader, pledging to “work with and for every single community to deliver the service improvements our citizens deserve.”

Cllr Cotton previously served as the Council’s Cabinet Member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities, and was responsible for leading the city’s response to the cost-of-living crisis, tackling social and economic injustice and building stronger safer communities.

John has previously held Cabinet portfolios covering adult social care, public health and housing, which also reflect his passionate interest in tackling the root causes of poverty and disadvantage.

As Leader, John has pledged to continue his to improve the lives and life chances of the people of Birmingham and help our communities through the continuing cost-of-living crisis. 

A member of both the Labour and Co-operative parties, he was first elected to Birmingham City Council in 1999 and represents the Glebe Farm and Tile Cross Ward in the east of the city. John was born and raised in Birmingham.

Over the course of a varied career, he has worked in private industry, in the office of a Labour MP, in the voluntary sector and as a freelance public affairs consultant.

John is also National Chair of Labour Housing Group, the Labour Party’s official affiliated organisation dedicated to developing housing policy to addresses the shortage of decent affordable housing across the UK.

This year’s report will provide a comprehensive analysis of the city’s economy as it emerges from the coronavirus pandemic into a period of high inflation and uncertainty caused by the energy crisis and labour market pressures, and actionable measures that businesses and stakeholders from across the city-region can take to adapt, foster resilience, and grow in this challenging environment. It will also consider priorities and opportunities for levelling up.

The review will provide world-class, data-driven academic insights and experienced advice from some of the city’s most prominent business leaders as to how the region and its businesses can seize new and emerging opportunities on the horizon.

This launch event will feature an overview of the main findings of the report, followed by a high-profile panel of business, policy and political leaders providing their views on the city-region and the findings of the research. They will then participate in a Q&A discussion with the audience.

GBCC CEO Henrietta Brealey said: “We're very much looking forward to welcoming Councillor John Cotton to the launch of the Birmingham Economic Review in his role as Leader of Birmingham City Council. We welcome John's engagement on the panel at what is an important time for our city-region.

“This year's economic review reflects on an interesting year for the city and while recognising recent challenges, will explore the brilliant opportunities already here and on the horizon for local firms."