The Midlands Economic Summit 2023

8th June 2023

A transformative journey into the heart of regional prosperity

As the Financial Director of Rudolph and Hellmann Automotive, I had the privilege of attending the Midlands Economic Summit held on the 7th of June at the prestigious Vox in Birmingham. This gathering of over 500 representatives from business, academia, and local government demonstrated the unwavering spirit of growth, innovation, and collaboration within our region. Sponsored by Nachural, the Midlands Engine and partners, the Summit provided a platform to explore strategic priorities that directly impact the manufacturing sector, particularly in light of the transformative challenges posed by sustainability and the switch to electric vehicles / future mobility.

Unlocking unprecedented opportunities

At the heart of the Summit's purpose was the recognition of the Midlands as the largest regional economy outside London, offering exceptional growth opportunities. Through engaging panel discussions and presentations, attendees, including myself, had the opportunity to delve into the prospects that lie ahead and understand how government initiatives will support the region's business sector during these transformative times. The panellists and speakers stressed that it is vital for key stakeholders to come together, foster collaborations, and create synergies to harness the full potential of this evolving landscape.

Ninder Johal, the Summit organiser on behalf of The Midlands Engine, and other sponsors, outlining the contribution the region to the UK’s economy.

Addressing the challenges

The timing of the Midlands Economic Summit couldn't have been more fitting. As the automotive manufacturing sector faces unprecedented challenges in embracing electric vehicles and future mobility, this event provided a crucial forum to address these challenges head-on. Expert panels skilfully connected the dots between policy, the private sector, and public interests, delving into thought-provoking questions such as the implications of the UK energy transition and the investment potential of key sectors and clusters. By fostering meaningful dialogue and providing actionable insights, the Summit played a vital role in guiding the industry towards informed decision-making and strategic planning in the face of transformative challenges.

Summit Organiser, Ninder Johal, being interviewed by BBC news anchor Anne Davies

A Nexus of innovation and investment

One of the highlights of the Midlands Economic Summit was its emphasis on innovation and its role in driving investment. The automotive manufacturing sector, with its rich history of innovation, is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of mobility. By promoting the interconnectedness and collaboration between different sectors, the Summit celebrated the Midlands as a hub of ground breaking innovations. Entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders had the opportunity to forge connections, exchange ideas, and identify potential synergies that will drive growth and prosperity in the region. This collaborative approach to innovation is key to overcoming the transformative challenges faced by the automotive manufacturing sector.

Paul Brown, Finance Director, Rudolph & Hellmann Automotive

Looking towards a promising future

I left the Midlands Economic Summit with a renewed sense of purpose and ambition for our region. The event served as a resounding call to action, igniting the collective effort to maximise the potential for growth, development, and prosperity. The commitment and dedication displayed at the Summit have positioned the Midlands as a thriving hub of economic activity. With our resilient spirit and a focus on innovation, the automotive manufacturing sector is well-equipped to navigate the challenges ahead and embrace the opportunities presented by the switch to electric vehicles and future mobility.

The Midlands Economic Summit exceeded all expectations, solidifying its place as a landmark event in the region's calendar. It encapsulated the essence of the Midlands' growth trajectory and addressed the transformative challenges faced by the automotive manufacturing sector. By fostering connections, promoting innovation, and sparking thought-provoking conversations, the Summit invigorated the collective effort to unlock the Midlands' full potential in the switch to electric vehicles and future mobility. I am confident that the Midlands Economic Summit has set us on a path towards a brighter economic future, firmly establishing our region as a leader in the manufacturing sector.

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