The Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker, was joined by regional leaders yesterday (Monday, 15th September) as he unveiled the region’s ambitious Growth Plan in Westminster, pressing the case for new jobs, investment, and opportunities across every corner of the region.
Hosted in Parliament, the event brought together MPs, ministers, local politicians, and business leaders, with the Mayor making a direct pitch to ensure the West Midlands is at the forefront of Government policy and decision-making.
The gathering was also attended by the new Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Peter Kyle, who offered his strong support for the Growth Plan. He emphasised the importance of aligning national priorities with local delivery, describing the initiative as central to unlocking economic opportunity.
The Mayor was also accompanied by members of his taskforces, groups of regional experts established to guide policy and drive progress on some of the West Midlands’ most pressing challenges.
Richard Parker said the Growth Plan is built firmly on the region’s strengths: “We’re here to shout about the West Midlands and make sure Government and business see the scale of our ambition. The Growth Plan is rooted in advanced manufacturing, health tech, the creative industries, and clean energy. Built with business, backed by Government, and designed for delivery. But it will only succeed if national priorities and local action come together.”
He added that the region is “ready to deliver growth, create good jobs, and tackle inequalities that hold too many people back.”
Secretary of State Peter Kyle praised the Mayor’s leadership and the clear message being sent to Westminster: “I’ve only been in post a short time, but Richard has already made sure the voice of the West Midlands is loud and clear in Westminster. The change people expect will only happen if we work together – Government and Mayors side by side – to deliver for communities across the country.”
Sarah Coombes, MP for West Bromwich, also voiced her backing: “The Black Country has the skills, the history, and the determination to be at the heart of the Growth Plan. From advanced manufacturing to green industries, this is about building the jobs of the future right here. Richard has shown real leadership in bringing our priorities to Westminster.”
The Growth Plan highlights flagship projects across the region, including: Birmingham City Centre developments, including the Sports Quarter and Knowledge Quarter. The Coventry City Centre and Investment Zone Growth Corridor, featuring the Green Power Park. The Black Country’s Green Innovation Corridor, alongside the Wolverhampton–Walsall corridor and Metro extension connecting Sandwell and Dudley. Richard Parker stressed these were not just “ideas on paper” but live projects ready to deliver with the right backing.
Industry leaders also offered strong endorsements. Joe Reeves, Deputy Chief Executive of Midland Heart, said housing was central to inclusive growth, pointing to work with the Mayor’s Homes Taskforce to accelerate affordable housing delivery.
Tani Dulay, Chief Executive of Woodbourne Group, described the plan as aligned with the UK Government’s Invest 2035 strategy, praising its potential to attract global capital and create high-skilled jobs. He highlighted the £4 billion Birmingham Knowledge Quarter as a prime example of how the plan could reinforce the West Midlands as “the cornerstone of the UK’s innovation economy.”
The Growth Plan sets bold targets for the region: Each worker to benefit from an additional £8,600 in their pocket. 93,000 more people in work, reducing economic inactivity. An overall boost of £17.4 billion to the regional economy. Delivery of 12,200 homes per year to create more prosperous, resilient communities. A clear path towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2041. As Parker concluded in Westminster, the Growth Plan represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity:
“These projects can deliver for people now – but they need the right partnerships. That’s why I came to Westminster: to ensure the West Midlands is at the very heart of Government thinking.”
