Latest News
May 1 2024
Government launches new free management course for small businesses
This week the Government has launched Help to Grow: Management Essentials, a new, free, bite-sized online course to help small businesses grow.
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Observatory
Latest data and research for our region
The Midlands Engine Observatory is an alliance of leading academic researchers and economic and industry experts, working together to deliver the regionally focused research and analysis our partners need to inform decision making and policy creation, for every part of the Midlands.
The only pan-regional Observatory in England, it ensures that we are evidence led and that we have a deep understanding of the issues impacting the Midlands.
The Observatory is funded by the Midlands Engine and our partners – in particular, our academic partners who co-invest in all the research we produce together. Experts are drawn from the Midlands’ own universities, partner institutions and private sector organisations, maximising the vast knowledge potential of our region.
Work is overseen and guided by a Programme Board, which in turn reports to the Operating Board of the Midlands Engine, ensuring partnership decision-making is underpinned by contemporary data and emerging evidence. The work of our Observatory continues to grow in breadth and significance; a critical driver of the pan-regional work we undertake, together.
State of the Region Report 2023
The Midlands Engine Observatory’s State of the Region 2023 Report
The latest evidence-based reflection of how the Midlands has performed over the past calendar year is now available.
This year’s report details our region’s main opportunities for growth across our 5 key sectors – Green Growth, advanced manufacturing, food & agri-tech, med-tech & life sciences and new market opportunities.
The State of the Region is available in the following forms:
Midlands Engine Intelligence Hub
Instant access to contemporary data and insights
The Midlands Engine Intelligence Hub provides a single, interactive portal for a wealth of up-to-the-minute pan-regional data, research and expert insights. This unique tool can help to inform decision-making around key investments and policy formulation for economic and social benefit in the Midlands.
Key features of the Intelligence Hub include: new live and interactive data and power BI dashboards, spatial visualisations, intelligence briefings, insight pieces from regional experts, and commissioned deep-dive research.
Read the latest reports from the Observatory
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Exec summary economic impact monitor – edition 45
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Aerospace in the Midlands
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Aerospace in the Midlands – Factsheet
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Food White Paper Summary
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Food White Paper
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Midlands ‘New Economy’ Cluster Snapshot: Future telecommunications
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Midlands New Economy snapshot: Semi conductors
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New economy snapshot: Engineering biology
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State of the Region 2023 – Executive Summary
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State of the Region 2023 – Factsheet
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Megatrends in the Midlands: Summary
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Megatrends in the Midlands: Full Report
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Quarterly Economic Briefing – Unlocking green investment in the Midlands
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Midlands ‘New Economy’ Cluster Snapshot: Artificial Intelligence
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Midlands ‘New Economy’ Cluster Snapshot: Quantum Technology
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Green & Hydrogen Skills Insights in the Midlands Engine
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Green & Hydrogen Jobs in the Midlands Engine
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All cylinders – The role of the Midlands Engine in the British economy
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Covid Report – From Pandemic to Endemic
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West Burton Fusion Factsheet Midlands Engine Observatory July 2022
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Nuclear & Related Industries Factsheet
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Food and Drink Supply Chain
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Manufacturing Factsheet
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SMEs Factsheet
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Global & Investment Factsheet
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Key Facts, Strengths & Barriers to Growth
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Economic Growth and Gender Bias
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Observatory Action Plan
The Midlands Engine Observatory Action Plan sets out our collective actions and aims to support our region through data, research, and insight.
As we work towards delivering the Levelling Up agenda, reliable metrics and insight become more important than ever. The Plan gives us the goals and direction we need as a region to understand Midlands-specific challenges and opportunities in terms of economic growth, to quantify our impact in collaboration and to inform advocacy for further investment where it’s needed most.
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Midlands Engine Research Partnership
The Midlands Engine Research Partnership provides a forum for universities from across the Midlands to scope areas of research needed by the Midlands Engine, steer research, collaborate, secure external funding for projects and contribute to key policy reviews and strategy formulation for the Midlands Engine.
Midlands Engine Intelligence Community
The Midlands Engine Intelligence Community (MEIC) is a forum for our valued partners to discuss and contribute to the work of the Observatory, hear updates on key research activities and share data and best practice.
If you are a data owner or engage with research and intelligence linked to any aspect of the Midlands economy, we would welcome your input to help shape the work of the Observatory and accelerate our work to grow our regional economy.
Latest News
Green Growth
May 1 2024
Michelin Development helps Stoke-on-Trent business branch out into new markets with sustainable solution
Michelin Development is helping a Stoke-on-Trent cleaning product company launch a new venture, which has already created additional jobs in the city.
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Green Growth
Apr 29 2024
Midlands Energy Security Taskforce aims to unlock Midlands’ vast energy potential, empowering national energy security, economic resilience and growth
This week sees the launch of the Midlands Energy Security Taskforce, signifying a commitment to harness the Midlands’ energy potential for the benefit of both the region and the country.
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