September 2016
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In light of the Government's commitment to regional devolution across the country, this seminar provided a timely opportunity to consider key issues for the development of the ‘Midlands Engine’, including enablers for economic growth and sustainability, and the organisational and collaborative structures that will be needed.
Following the announcement of a Midlands Engine Investment Fund of over £250 million to invest in smaller businesses in the Midlands, policymakers and key stakeholders discussed the development of employment support and skills provision in the region.
Delegates also considered the next steps for transport and infrastructure to help boost economic growth given that the confirmed devolution deals for the West Midlands Combined Authority and the Greater Lincolnshire Combined Authority include powers over local transport budgets and franchised bus services.
In the context of the Cities and Local Government Devolution Act, further sessions focused on the role of elected mayors, as the region has become the first area outside of the North of England to sign up to a devolution deal with an elected mayor.
