MIDLANDS ENGINE

Midlands Connect is the transport arm of the Midlands Engine. It is working with partners to decarbonise the region’s transport network, with a focus on more charging points, improving public transport and reducing congestion. Midlands Connect’s rail programme, Midlands Engine Rail, currently comprises seven major projects.

International trade is also a key regional priority and in his March budget, the Chancellor approved the creation of the East Midlands Airport as a freeport. Freeports offer concessions for eligible companies on customs, other tax and planning advantages and reduced bureaucracy. They can range from secure warehouses to sites where considerable added-value manufacturing occurs before the goods are re-exported.

The UK’s only inland freeport could create more than 61,000 jobs for the Midlands and an extra £8.9 billion for the local economy over the next 30 years.

All these priorities have been developed through consultation and collaboration with key institutions and companies across the region.

The Midlands Engine Observatory is an alliance of academic researchers and economic and industry experts working to gather the data and intelligence that can shape policy, help target investment for recovery and growth, and measure levelling up progress. It is the only pan-regional observatory in England.

The Midlands Engine Business Council consists of 30 entrepreneurs and business leaders from across the region, collaborating on how to drive growth and productivity, and act as a conduit for the private sector into government.