MEDIA INVITE – WEST MIDLANDS PLAN FOR GROWTH
WHEN:
9:45am – 11:45am, Thursday 7th July 2022
WHERE:
Light House Media Centre, Fryer Street, Wolverhampton WV1 1HT – parking information is available here
WHO:
Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street
Councillor Ian Brookfield, Leader of City of Wolverhampton Council and WMCA portfolio holder for economy and innovation
Margot James, Executive Chair of WMG, at the University of Warwick representing the Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles and Associated Battery Devices sector
Mark Farmer CEO and Founding Director of Cast Consultancy representing the Manufacture of Future Housing sector
Gurjit Jagpal, Managing Director, GS Accelerate Digital Entrepreneur and Head of Goldman Sachs Birmingham, representing the Professional and Financial Services and Supply Chain sector
A plan to re-ignite the West Midlands economy and recapture its pre-pandemic success is to be set out as the true scale of the impact of Covid becomes clear.
The West Midlands economy shrank significantly in 2020 due, in part, to its large automotive sector and its high number of exporting companies.
And, despite still having the highest level of Foreign Direct Investment outside London and a strong track record in getting people back into work, the regional economy has been slow to recover and remains below its pre-Covid levels.
The figures showing the economic impact of the pandemic will be discussed by business and political leaders at the Lighthouse in Wolverhampton this Thursday (July 7) where they will also set out their plan to bring about a resurgent West Midlands.
There will be interview and filming opportunities with key speakers including the Mayor, Cllr Brookfield and Margot James.
A number of innovative West Midlands companies will also be showcasing their technology and products at the event including a 5G camera in a pill which can detect bowel cancer at home without the need for an invasive endoscopy, robotic programming and cutting-edge drones capable of delivering medical supplies and other items.
Media wishing to attend should RVSP media@wmca.org.uk or tel 07887 794241
