Help secure the future of the Midlands Engine – sign our letter of support

On 31 October, we received correspondence indicating that the government is minded to withdraw the funding that underpins the day-to-day running of the Midlands Engine by March 2025 – subject to consultation.

The Midlands Engine shares the government’s ambitions to see a more simplified devolved landscape to support inclusive growth for our region. However, we are concerned that a decision to stop funding so abruptly, without proposed new structures being fully formed, will see us lose critical regional economic connectivity and collaboration at precisely the moment when government is striving to deliver economic growth.

We ask for your support as we call on government to consider transition funding arrangements that will enable the Midlands Engine to carry on important work to attract inward investment and growth, bridging the gap while new Combined Authorities are implemented and prepared to deliver.

How you can help

The 4-week government consultation period began on 18 November and will close on 16 December. Your support is vital if we are to achieve a successful consultation outcome.

Sign the letter of support

• Click here to download the letter of support: tinyurl.com/bdvzpfds

• Add your signature, name, role and organisation.
• Return the signed letter to: Chair@midlandsengine.org.

In addition, the influence and reach of your networks are invaluable assets to us now. Any discussions within your circles that convey the importance of this work will help us sustain momentum and demonstrate the broad-based regional support for transition funding.

What’s at stake?

Since its inception, the Midlands Engine has delivered tangible results, including:

• Unlocking billions of private capital investment for growth and showcasing £50 billion in regional investment opportunities that could create 380,000 jobs.
• Attracting high-value investment opportunities into 17 of the region’s universities, driving innovation, research, and skills development.
• Advancing strategic priorities such as food security, energy security, and water security to ensure the region thrives amid global challenges.
• Providing platforms to promote partner priorities at major forums such as UKREiiF and international trade missions.
• Delivering critical economic insights through the Midlands Engine Observatory to guide local growth plans and strategies.
• Convening and driving collaborative action through taskforces and forums such as the Energy Security Taskforce, Green Growth Board, Midlands Health & Life Sciences Board, and the Midlands Major Project Taskforce.

These initiatives and more have fostered regional collaboration, leveraged co-investment and aligned local ambitions with national priorities for sustainable growth.

Thank you for your commitment to your Partnership.