Major new event to set the agenda for what comes next in the Midlands

Driving sustainable economic growth and delivering transformational place-making in the wake of the COVID pandemic are the focus of a major new event about the future of the Midlands.

Invest Midlands is bringing together decision makers and creative thinkers from government, city regions and business at an online conference and exhibition on May 26.

It will explore the Midlands’ place in the world and showcase the new ideas, insights and analysis that will progress the levelling up agenda.

The interactive programme is built around the big picture strategic issues of sustainable development, East/West connectivity, manufacturing, selling the Midlands overseas and the future of towns and cities.

It will also cover the immediate priorities of pandemic resilience and Brexit, exploring inward investment, skills, job creation, place and powering forward the Midlands Engine.

Lee-J Walker

Lee-J Walker, joint managing director of The Business Desk.com, said: “The pace of regeneration in our Midlands economies has, like so many things, been checked and challenged by COVID and Brexit. But the challenges have strengthened the sense of collaboration and community.

“Invest Midlands will add to the collective focus that is required for the Midlands to regain the momentum it had, bringing together the business and political leaders and key organisations who are setting the agenda for what comes next in the Midlands.”

Invest Midlands is backed by EY, Shakespeare Martineau, Lloyds Bank, the Midlands Engine, Impact Data Metrics, TheBusinessDesk.com, a host of LEPs, inward investment agencies and Chambers of Commerce from across the Midlands – as well as Story Comms and Cartwright Communications.

Sarah Walker-Smith

Sarah Walker-Smith CEO of Shakespeare Martineau said: “In order to go back to better than before, we must collaborate across the business community. The role of businesses and business leaders will be instrumental in our recovery from the pandemic and ongoing resilience as we move forward.

“The Midlands is rich in its sector diversity and variety of business sizes – from sole traders and start-ups, to SMEs and global companies – giving it a solid footing for the future. We look forward to bringing together a broad set of minds and vast range experience through this programme.”

Simon O’Neill

Simon O’Neill, office managing partner at EY in the Midlands said: “The Midlands has a diverse economy, home to globally competitive businesses and market leading entrepreneurs and innovators in the private sector. Now, more than ever given recent challenges there is a need to focus on harnessing the talent in the region and supporting the growth ambitions of the region’s businesses, as part of the government’s ‘levelling up’ agenda, to ensure that the region’s potential is realised.

“EY are passionate about supporting our clients across the Midlands helping them to maximise their opportunity. We’re proud to be part of the debate that is helping to shape future strategies through our partnership with Invest Midlands.”

Amanda Dorel

Amanda Dorel, regional director, Midlands & South Wales region, SME and mid corporate banking at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said:

“SME and mid-corporate-sized businesses will play a huge part towards the UK’s post-Covid-19 recovery. Lloyds Banking Group are committed to supporting these locally business with both their banking and financial requirements.

“We have a network of experienced banking relationship managers based locally to support businesses.

“We are delighted to be a key sponsor of Invest Midlands.”

To find out more and see how your organisation can be part of this event, visit investmidlands.uk

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