Downtown in Business (DIB) is celebrating a decade in Birmingham, a period that has seen the city undergo one of the most significant transformations in its modern history.
Since opening its doors in September 2015, DIB has brought together business leaders, decision-makers, and influencers to help shape Birmingham’s future. Over the past ten years, the city has seen unprecedented regeneration, record investment, global sporting success, and a major political shift.
A decade of change
· Devolution delivered – The creation of the West Midlands Combined Authority and election of a metro mayor gave Birmingham greater control over housing, skills, and transport.
· Skyline transformed – Landmark projects such as Paradise, Smithfield, and Curzon Street Station have reshaped the city centre.
· Global spotlight – The 2022 Commonwealth Games showcased a confident Birmingham, leaving behind world-class sporting and cultural venues.
· Investment magnet – The West Midlands has consistently ranked as a top three UK destination for foreign direct investment, creating thousands of new jobs.
Sport at the heart of regeneration
Football has been a central part of Birmingham’s renaissance:
· Aston Villa are back at the top table, with a £100m redevelopment of Villa Park increasing capacity beyond 50,000 ahead of Euro 2028.
· Birmingham City have unveiled a visionary £2–3 billion “Sports Quarter” project, anchored by a proposed 62,000-seater stadium — one of Europe’s most ambitious infrastructure schemes.
· Blues Women continue to build on their WSL legacy, inspiring the next generation and pushing for promotion back to the top flight.
Challenges and recovery
Birmingham has not been without difficulties. In 2023, the city council issued a Section 114 notice following an equal pay crisis, shaking public and business confidence. However, a new leadership team is now delivering financial stability and setting out a clearer future.
At regional level, the political landscape has also shifted. After two terms under Conservative Andy Street, Labour’s Richard Parker became West Midlands mayor in 2024, with an economic plan focused on inclusive growth, green jobs, and housing.
Birmingham by the numbers (2015–2025)
· £2–3bn investment pledged for Birmingham City’s Sports Quarter
· 50,000+ seats – future Villa Park capacity
· 62,000 seats – proposed Blues stadium capacity
· Top 3 – West Midlands ranking for UK inward investment projects
· £870m – economic impact of the Commonwealth Games
· £760m+ – equal pay liabilities that triggered council bankruptcy
DIB group chairman and chief executive Frank McKenna said:
“When we launched in Birmingham ten years ago, we knew the city had huge potential. What we’ve seen since then has been remarkable – from global sporting events and world-class regeneration schemes to new, dynamic political leadership and record investment.
Yes, there have been bumps along the way, but Birmingham has shown resilience and ambition at every turn. Downtown in Business is proud to have played its part in that story, and we remain committed to working with our partners to make the next decade even more successful.”
Downtown in Business is hosting a range of events with the West Midlands business community during the remainder of the year, including a West Midlands Parliamentary Reception in Westminster later this month, and a ‘Change Makers Live’ summit at Aston University in November.
CLICK HERE to see details of all DIB events
