Mayor for the West Midlands, Andy Street and Professor Stuart Croft, Vice Chancellor of the University of Warwick, both gave presentations to a considerable Australian delegation that included EABC Chair Nick Greiner and Dr Stephanie Fahey, the CEO of the Australian Trade & Investment Commission.

Organised by the West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC) and held at the University of Warwick’s Business School in The Shard, the event follows up on the successful visit to Australia by Mayor Street and WMGC Chief Executive Neil Rami in April.

The West Midlands-focused event is the culmination of a 10 day tour by the EABC that also visited Paris, Strasbourg, Madrid and Lisbon. A number of senior Australian business leaders heard of the investment and collaborative opportunities that exist in the region with discussions also spanning the post-Brexit UK-Australia relationship. 

Neil Rami, Chief Executive of the West Midlands Growth Company, commented:

“It’s vital that we as a region engage with international investors, and it is hugely encouraging that the European Australian Business Council and other senior Australian trade representatives are interested in what we can offer. Working with our university partners and with the West Midlands Combined Authority, we look forward to building on our relationship with Australia as a key source of investment.”

Professor Stuart Croft, Vice Chancellor of the University of Warwick, added:

“Many people have long been aware of the key role universities such as Warwick play in supporting and enhancing local economies through work with industry, skills generation, technology transfer, employment, and local spending. However, businesses, policy makers and other organisations will all testify that actually the most crucial role universities can, and do play is as a unique building block that can help bring together highly diverse and powerful partnerships. 

“International universities such as Warwick, with active partnerships and connections on several continents, can also help bring international interest and engagement to a local level. This is a powerful tool that is perhaps needed more than ever in these uncertain times for international business.”

Click here to find out more about the role of the West Midlands Growth Company.