Midlands Engine partners showcase exceptional investment opportunities in the Midlands, at UKREiiF

• Over 45 Midlands-focused events at the UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum
• Launch of updated Midlands Investment Portfolio highlighting £33bn+ of opportunities
• First look at new Midlands Engine Partnership report exploring the investment potential of clusters

Midlands Engine partners are coming together at this year’s UK Real Estate Infrastructure Investment Forum to showcase the region’s exceptional investment opportunities. Two Midlands Engine resources launching today highlight the collaborative work happening right now that will help attract £billions to the region.   

Representatives from across the Midlands Engine Partnership will be stepping onto the stage at UKREiiF over the next three days in Leeds to give the region’s perspective on how to accelerate and unlock sustainable, inclusive and transformational investment.

Alongside partners leading discussions, the Midlands Engine Partnership will be taking the opportunity to talk to thousands of delegates from around the UK and beyond about its specific work supporting inward investment as it launches the updated Midlands Investment Portfolio and new Clusters report.

Following its premier at last year’s UKREiiF, the Midlands Investment Portfolio has acted as a focal point for investment, including the landmark Power Park Nottingham that completed construction in April 2023 and is now seeking occupiers. Newly added propositions include the University of Derby’s £150m City Campus Masterplan, urban regeneration schemes in Stoke-on-Trent and Sandwell, and industrial units up for occupancy across Lincoln and Lincolnshire.

Altogether, the updated portfolio showcases the 90 most significant investment opportunities in the Midlands across a range of sectors, with a Gross Development Value well in excess of £33bn. Presenting a clear, comprehensive view to investors, it holds the potential to generate 220,000 jobs, driving economic and social prosperity across the Midlands region.

The role of clusters in driving future economic growth is the focus of the Midlands Engine’s new report, Exploring the Investment Potential of Midlands Clusters, also launching at this year’s UKREiiF.

Produced in collaboration with Midlands Engine partners, The Data City, Beauhurst, Wavteq, CBI Economics and the Midlands Engine Observatory, the report offers a robust framework to discuss the investment potential of clusters in the Midlands across four interconnected ecosystems: business, innovation, talent and investment. It will be used as a starting point for a programme of engagement with partners, policymakers and researchers over the coming months with the wider aim of supporting regional partners, businesses and the UK government to better understand and develop clusters across the Midlands.

Sir John Peace, Chairman of Midlands Engine said:

“It is an inspiration to see so many Midlands Engine partners shining a light on our region at UKREiiF once again this year. Their transformative work has created the conditions required for investment in our region. And their collaborative efforts are crucial drivers of growth and prosperity that benefit not only us, but the whole UK.

I would also like to pay tribute to all of the Midlands Engine partners who have contributed to the Midlands Investment Portfolio. It has proved a valuable resource for those looking to encourage investment into the region over the past year, and this updated edition for 2023 will continue to shine a spotlight on the exceptional investment landscape here in the Midlands. There is no doubt that the propositions contained within this Portfolio have the potential to bring about major positive changes for the region and its people.”

Developed in collaboration with Midlands Engine partners, the Midlands Investment Portfolio includes the Department for Business and Trade’s High Potential Opportunities and the West Midlands Combined Authority’s 2023 prospectus, as well as the priority propositions of City and County Councils from the entire Midlands Engine area.

The update also follows a series of positive recent developments in the region’s investment landscape, including the creation of Midlands Mindforge – a £250m investment vehicle co-created by eight of the Midlands’ leading universities.