Universities pledge support to new West Midlands Combined Authority

THE official formation of the West Midlands Combined Authority has been welcomed by three of the region’s universities.
 
Birmingham City University, Coventry University and the University of Wolverhampton joined forces in May to launch the West Midlands Combined Universities (WMCU) initiative to meet the demands of devolution.
 
The partnership brings together the institutions’ applied research and training expertise to develop skills and foster innovation across the region.

The authority has announced the portfolios for lead members and the consultation on the function of an elected mayor has begun.
 
The universities said the link-up of three like-minded bodies would provide the WMCA with a powerful resource with which it could meet ambitious objectives around skills, employment opportunities and productivity – including the creation of over 500,000 jobs by 2030 and a targeted rate of growth to match that of the London economy.
 
The WMCU will also support the devolved body’s stated priority of tackling a significant shortage of lower and higher end skills – particularly in the health and advanced manufacturing sectors.
 
Cliff Allan, Vice-Chancellor at Birmingham City University, said: “The combined authority represents a unique opportunity for the West Midlands to really punch its weight on a national level and we are all extremely pleased to welcome this exciting new era for our region.
 
“Now the Combined Universities can start to press ahead with playing our part in the future of this region, working with the combined authority and making sure we have the workforce and innovation we need to support continued growth in this part of the country.
 
“We look forward to working with the combined authority to help plug the skills gaps we face in key occupations like nursing and the automotive sector, which will really make a difference to those living and working in Birmingham, the Black Country, Coventry and beyond.”