The West Midlands Mayor, Richard Parker, has appointed renowned economist Bridget Rosewell CBE to provide independent advice on aligning the region’s capital investments with his recently launched Growth Plan. The appointment aims to ensure that the region’s £2.4 billion Transport for City Regions fund and wider investment programme deliver maximum economic benefit while attracting additional private sector investment.
The initiative is part of Parker’s broader Growth Plan, unveiled in July, which promises to “deliver jobs, growth, and homes—alongside better transport for local people.” By bringing in Rosewell, the Mayor is seeking a strategic lens to ensure that every pound invested works as efficiently as possible for the West Midlands’ residents and businesses.
“We’ve secured billions for transport and infrastructure, but we need to stretch that funding as far as possible,” Parker said. “We can make that £2.4 billion go further if we explore creative ways to quickly deliver infrastructure and mechanisms like tax incremental finance. That would mean using the initial fund to catalyse billions more and crowd in private investment behind public funds. Bridget brings the independent expertise we need to make sure our projects deliver jobs, growth, and homes—alongside better transport for local people.”
Bridget Rosewell is one of the UK’s most respected economists, having served on the National Infrastructure Commission and advised on landmark projects including HS1, HS2, and the Elizabeth Line. Her new role will see her work closely with the Mayor and leaders across the West Midlands to identify new opportunities for infrastructure-led growth, assess ongoing projects, and ensure value for money across the investment programme.
The Rosewell Review has already commenced, with findings expected to be presented to the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Board before the end of the year. Its remit will include producing a prospectus of major investment opportunities, reviewing existing and planned projects to confirm they meet local priorities, advising on the optimal use of the £2.4 billion Transport for City Regions allocation, and recommending innovative approaches for planning, financing, and delivering projects.
“I am pleased to help bring together growth opportunities and regional investment programmes; this has been a matter close to my heart for some considerable time,” Rosewell said. “Facilitating private investment and supporting appropriate public contributions to their best effect is very important to the future of the UK economy, and I hope this Review will help.”
Ed Cox, interim Chief Executive of the WMCA, emphasised the importance of independent expertise in maximising regional investment outcomes. “We want to draw on all the expertise we can to maximise the economic and social benefits from our investments,” Cox said. “Working with Bridget will bring that independent eye and best-in-class approach to ensuring our investments are delivering for the people of the West Midlands. Her advice will help us build transport infrastructure that not only moves people, but also powers business expansion and housing development, creating a more prosperous future for all of our communities.”
The Investment Prospectus produced through the Rosewell Review will form a cornerstone of the Government’s Regional Investment Summit, which will be held in the West Midlands in October. The Summit will gather the world’s largest investment funds, offering a platform to showcase opportunities in the region. Parker will host the event alongside Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds, highlighting the West Midlands as a hub for economic growth and infrastructure investment.
The Transport for City Regions fund, which will be deployed over a five-year period starting in 2027, is intended to support transformative projects across the region. With expert guidance from Rosewell, the Mayor hopes to ensure the programme not only meets immediate transport needs but also stimulates wider economic development, unlocking jobs, housing, and business expansion.
By combining rigorous economic analysis with strategic planning, the Rosewell Review aims to create a blueprint for the West Midlands that maximises public investment, catalyses private funding, and delivers tangible benefits to local communities. It reflects Parker’s vision of using smart, creative funding approaches to drive sustainable growth while ensuring residents see real improvements in infrastructure, services, and opportunities. “This is about making every pound work harder for the people of the West Midlands,” Parker said. “With the Rosewell Review, we are ensuring that our investments create the most impact possible—now and for generations to come.”
