The heartbeat of Britain’s industrial past is now setting the pace for its economic future. In a historic announcement, the West Midlands has been chosen to host the inaugural ‘Regional Investment Summit – West Midlands 2025’, a national platform designed to spotlight investment potential in UK cities, towns, and industrial communities.
Backed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves MP, Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, and powered by the bold vision of Mayor Richard Parker, the summit is more than just another government event — it’s a strategic statement: the future of Britain’s prosperity will be built from the regions up. "This is a huge vote of confidence in the West Midlands," said Mayor Parker.
“We started with a regional vision, and now we’re hosting a national summit. It’s about promoting our people, our innovation, and unlocking global investment that uplifts local communities.”
At its core, the summit is expected to attract investors from across the globe, bringing them face-to-face with the innovation and talent powering the Midlands — from clean energy startups in Coventry to advanced manufacturing in Wolverhampton and thriving SMEs in the heart of Birmingham.
“We’re not just putting the West Midlands on the map — we’re redrawing the map of opportunity,” Parker emphasised. “Regional growth means real jobs, real productivity and real prosperity in the hands of everyday people.”
Chancellor Rachel Reeves, speaking recently in Birmingham, highlighted the government’s £2.4 billion commitment to better connect West Midlands residents to jobs, education and social mobility. “Our regions are the economic lifeblood of the country,” Reeves said. “By putting investment into areas like the West Midlands, we’re not just growing the economy — we’re changing lives.”
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds echoed the sentiment: “This summit is central to our plan to unlock growth, create jobs, and make sure our industrial strategy reaches every corner of the UK.” The West Midlands, with one of the UK’s most vibrant African, Caribbean, and Asian populations, stands to benefit greatly.
The summit will provide opportunities for entrepreneurs, community groups, and investors from underrepresented backgrounds to participate in the economic transformation of the region. “We want to see Black and ethnic minority businesses at the table — not just as guests, but as drivers of this new economic wave,” said The Phoenix Newspapers’ community affairs correspondent.
Neil Rami, CEO of the West Midlands Growth Company, called the announcement “welcome news” and a chance to “showcase our region’s world-class capabilities.”
“The West Midlands continues to punch above its weight,” he said. “We’re building green industries, attracting foreign direct investment, and finding solutions to global challenges — right here in our communities.”
While the full programme of the ‘Regional Investment Summit – West Midlands 2025’ will be released in the coming months, plans are underway for high-level discussions, investment showcases, site visits, and cultural programming designed to show the full potential of the region. The Phoenix Newspapers will be providing extensive coverage leading up to and during the summit, ensuring local voices are heard and community stakeholders are represented.
