The West Midlands is one of the United Kingdom’s largest and most economically significant city-regions, centred on Birmingham and encompassing Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton.

Home to almost 3 million people, the region combines a young, diverse and highly connected population with a strong industrial and technological heritage. The West Midlands generates well over £100 billion in annual economic output and is a national centre for advanced manufacturing, engineering, transport technology, digital innovation, professional services and clean energy.

Geographically located at the heart of the UK, the region benefits from exceptional national rail, motorway and international connectivity, reinforced by major investment programmes including HS2 and regeneration initiatives.

Population projections indicate continued strong growth towards 2050, with the West Midlands expected to remain one of the UK’s youngest and fastest-growing metropolitan economies, supporting a larger skilled workforce, expanding innovation sector and increasingly knowledge-based economy.

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is the strategic regional authority responsible for driving economic growth, transport integration, housing, skills and regeneration across the West Midlands metropolitan area. Established in 2016, the WMCA brings together local councils, transport bodies, universities and industry partners to coordinate long-term investment and regional development.