Exceptional Midlands Engine progress showcased at meeting of the Executive Board

Date posted: April 21, 2021

Throughout the first quarter of 2021, the Midlands Engine has made significant progress across a number of key areas vital to the economic wellbeing of the Midlands – showcased at today’s meeting of the Midlands Engine Executive Board (21 April).

The Executive Board meets quarterly and helps guide the strategic direction of the Midland Engine’s work. This latest meeting was a chance for Midlands Engine Chairman Sir John Peace and Executive Director Rachael Greenwood to share the fantastic progress made so far this year in the areas of health, digital, transport, business finance and supply chains.

The Board was also shown presentations by Grant Peggie from the British Business Bank on access to finance for businesses, Dean Fathers, Chair of the National Centre for Organisational Resilience and Board Member Mark Stansfeld on the 5G rollout. Plus, Professor Delma Dwight, Director of the Observatory, provided an update on economic data for our region.

Timed to coincide with World Health Day on April 7, Midlands Engine Health has consistently championed our region’s strengths health and life sciences, releasing compelling content on MedTech and Health Diversity via online channels and in the press. More is planned in the coming weeks with particular areas of focus to include rehabilitation and trauma, our region’s response to Covid-19, clinical trials, and health data and imaging.

In reference to transport, the work of Midlands Connect continues to make the case to Government to deliver HS2 in full and to secure investment in Midlands Engine Rail, while our digital work has seen the creation of a pan-regional digital asset map highlighting connectivity and gaps, which is nearing completion.

In addition, the Observatory has commissioned five pieces of primary research to deepen our understanding of supply chains. The Midlands is the only region in England to benefit from a pan-regional Observatory that gathers data and creates intelligence to help shape policy insights and target investments for the recovery and growth of our region.

Download the latest Board Papers by visiting the Executive Board webpage.