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Latest news and updates from across the region

Author

Mike Watts

Mike Watts is the Digital Marketing Manager for Investment and Brand at West Midlands Growth Company, responsible for delivering digital content and campaigns that position the West Midlands as a premier location for investment, innovation and business growth. Mike leads the strategy and performance of Invest West Midlands and WMGC’s corporate digital channels, driving visibility, engagement and lead generation. With a strong background in B2B digital marketing and campaign delivery, Mike plays a key role in supporting regional economic priorities and stakeholder engagement through data-driven, always-on digital activity.

L-R Elise Fry, Scott Monks, Merlin, Sharon Thompson, Archie, Jim Simpson at the ribbon cutting launch event of Rocksteady in the Jewellery Quarter.

Birmingham hits the right notes for UK’s biggest music school

By Mike Watts on Jul. 31, 2025

The UK’s largest music school – Rocksteady – picks Birmingham for its new base, with plans to create 100 jobs in the next three years. The new facility at JQ Modern building in Birmingham’s Jewellery…

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STEAMhouse innovation centre

Cisco Invests in New West Midlands Office Space at STEAMhouse Innovation Centre

By Mike Watts on Jul. 02, 2025

Cisco invests in new workspace at STEAMhouse, Birmingham City University’s flagship innovation centre, as part of regional presence commitment New regional hub will serve as collaboration space…

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Colmore Business District

West Midlands leads UK regions on foreign direct investment

By Mike Watts on Jul. 01, 2025

West Midlands is UK’s leading regional location for FDI, performing strongly despite a challenging national backdrop During the 2024/25 financial year, the West Midlands represented the…

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Black Sabbath Bridge

Summer Starts Here as West Midlands plays host to historic £20m July weekend

By Mike Watts on Jun. 30, 2025

Up to 300,000 culture, sport and food fans expected in the West Midlands at the start of July as eyes of the world fall on the region Events including Black Sabbath’s farewell festival and Test Match…

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An artist's impression of the new tramway extension connecting East Birmingham to North Solihull

West Midlands Secures £2.4bn Infrastructure Boost to Unlock £10bn in Private Investment

By Mike Watts on Jun. 04, 2025

A new tram route is to be built to East Birmingham, improving connections for local people and unlocking billions of pounds in private sector investment. Funding for the project – which will…

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Rachel Jones

DWF reappointed to Serco legal panel

By Mike Watts on Jan. 22, 2025

Serco is a global service provider to Governments that operates in various sectors including justice, defence, space, health, transport and migration. The reappointment secures DWF's place as one of…

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An artist's rendition of the proposed Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Growing our Green Heritage – Planning submitted for Birmingham Botanical Gardens

By Mike Watts on Sep. 23, 2024

Birmingham-based architects, Howells, has submitted plans for the transformation and restoration of the Grade-II* listed Birmingham Botanical Gardens, home to the Midland’s finest and largest…

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