Mayor promises jobs, homes and £8.6k boost for workers
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker has unveiled an ambitious £17 billion blueprint to kickstart the regional economy, promising 100,000 new jobs, 120,000 homes, and a pay boost worth £8,600 for working families.
Launched in Wolverhampton on Monday, the West Midlands Growth Plan lays out a decade-long vision to revive high streets, power up public transport and put prosperity “in every place” of the region. Parker hailed it as the beginning of a “new era” driven by investment, innovation and inclusion.
‘Time for our region to roar’
Parker’s plan comes with a clear message: the West Midlands has the talent, history and industry to lead the UK into the future.
“We’ve got brilliant people, proud communities and a legacy of invention,” he said. “It’s time the West Midlands climbed on the rooftops and shouted about it.”
The mayor’s plan will inject over £2.4 billion into transport, back entrepreneurs, and support workers in the “everyday economy” – from carers and shop staff to teachers and bus drivers.
Five sectors in focus
Parker has pinpointed five high-growth industries to anchor the West Midlands’ future:
- Advanced engineering, including EVs and battery tech
- Clean energy and green technology
- Health and medical innovation
- Digital and creative sectors
- Financial and professional services
“These are the sectors people can build their futures around – with secure, skilled and better-paid jobs,” he said.
Backed by government and investors
The Growth Plan is backed by both the government and major business figures. Industry minister Sarah Jones said the strategy will “unlock growth and create jobs,” while screenwriter and Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight wrote in the plan’s foreword: “This is our moment. It’s our turn.”
Warwick Innovation District chair Greg Clark praised the plan as proof the West Midlands is “Britain’s Industrial Strategy powerhouse”.
The Growth Plan is expected to shape the agenda at the West Midlands Global Investment Summit later this year, as the region pitches itself as the UK’s next great growth engine.
Read the full plan on the WMCA website.
