West Midlands is attracting major investment projects

The UK's first ever Regional Investment Summit took place in Birmingham yesterday with Chancellor RACHEL REEVES one of the main speakers. But what was her message for the West Midlands. Here she explains...

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Chancellor Rachel Reeves speaking at the Regional Investment Summit at Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham

WHEN I became Chancellor, I made a simple promise: that this government would be unashamedly pro-growth and pro-business - backing the people and places that drive our economy forward.

Because for too long, Britain has felt stuck. Wages have flatlined and costs have risen.

Birmingham Mail readers know that hardworking families - including right here in the West Midlands - have felt that no matter how hard they graft, they're running just to stand still. Communities have struggled with a lack of investment, our towns and cities have felt left behind and held back.

However, I do not believe that investment, prosperity and opportunity should only be found in London and the South East. That's why this week, Birmingham hosted the UK’s first ever Regional Investment Summit. It brought together hundreds of business leaders, investors and mayors with a focus on unlocking investment in every corner of the UK's cities, towns and industrial clusters.