On Monday 15th September Downtown in Business hosted our Parliamentary Reception at the Houses of Parliament earlier this week, in collaboration with the West Midlands Combined Authority, to present the new West Midlands Growth Plan.
The event was a significant milestone in bringing together business leaders, investors, and policymakers from Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, and the wider West Midlands City-Region to discuss our region’s economic opportunities and ambitions for the future.
The reception was marked by a series of inspiring contributions from influential voices. Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands Combined Authority, spoke passionately about regional investment and the strategies needed to drive sustainable economic growth. Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, reinforced the government’s commitment to supporting business success across the region, while Ed Cox, Chief Executive of the West Midlands Combined Authority, outlined the clear priorities for growth within the new plan.
We were also privileged to hear a moving poem from Bradley Taylor, capturing the spirit and resilience of the West Midlands, alongside reflections from Professor Aleks Subic, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University, who emphasised the critical role of innovation, research, and collaboration in driving progress. Simon Walsh, CEO of OneAdvanced, added to this vision by highlighting the transformative role that digital and technology will play in shaping the region’s future economy.
A huge thank you goes to our headline sponsors, Aston University and OneAdvanced, whose support made this event possible. The reception was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the West Midlands’ talent, ambition, and economic potential to MPs, Ministers, and business leaders. Together, we are working to turn the West Midlands Growth Plan into real opportunities that will benefit people and businesses across the region.
Full photo gallery to follow soon
