Our Strategy & Business Plan
Learn about our business plan and strategic priorities for the West Midlands with our plan on a page and full business plan.
A transition year for growth and evolution
The West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC) is currently operating within a transition period as part of the development of a new Economic Development Vehicle (EDV), due to be established by April 2026.
Strategic objectives and plans outlined here remain current and continue to guide delivery through March 2026, as WMGC focuses on maintaining its vital core functions while preparing for the next phase of the region’s economic development model.
The new model will bring together regional and local partners through a networked approach to delivery, ensuring the West Midlands remains business-facing, agile and accountable through the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).
Focus for 2025–26
During this transition year, WMGC continues to deliver against the region’s strategic economic priorities set by the WMCA Board. Activity is concentrated on the following core areas:
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Inward Investment – converting the existing pipeline, supporting key sectors and occupiers for Investment Zone sites.
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Capital Attraction – shaping investible propositions and securing private sector investment across innovation, regeneration and strategic sites.
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Visitor Economy – continuing to lead on the region’s LVEP (Birmingham, Black Country and Solihull) and supporting the Destination Development Partnership pilot, subject to funding.
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Strategic Relationship Management – coordinating engagement with the region’s top 500 businesses, working with local authority partners and DBT.
These priorities are underpinned by the West Midlands Growth Plan, which defines the region’s long-term vision for investment, innovation and inclusive growth, guiding how the transition to the new EDV will take shape.
Strategic Objectives
WMGC’s core objectives remain:
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To attract new investment, businesses and visitors to the West Midlands.
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To promote the region’s global competitiveness and its key growth sectors.
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To drive inclusive and sustainable economic growth that benefits communities across the region.
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To provide leadership and insight to support the delivery of the region’s economic strategy.
These continue to guide delivery throughout the transition period and ensure continuity in the region’s investment, visitor and commercial marketing activity.
International Priorities
International priorities for trade and investment are now embedded within the West Midlands Growth Plan (2025), which supersedes the earlier West Midlands International Strategy. This plan integrates international objectives into the region’s wider growth framework, ensuring a coordinated and coherent approach through the transition period.
Looking Ahead
WMGC continues to work with the West Midlands Combined Authority, local authorities, and regional partners to shape the future Economic Development Vehicle. The EDV will deliver a more integrated, business-led model for regional growth, underpinned by collaboration, agility and inclusivity, helping ensure that the West Midlands continues to grow its economy, attract investment, and raise its profile on the global stage.
How we measure our impact
We monitor outputs and indicators for each strategic objective. These form the basis of our reporting framework. We combine this with qualitative information, such as case studies.
