The Midlands Engine prospectus – the first of its kind in the country – is the result of a joint plan between 11 Local Enterprise Partnerships, which hopes to: boost productivity; increase connectivity; attract greater inward investment; and to build a regional tourism offer. It is supported by Business Secretary Sajid Javid and is part of wider Government plans to support jobs and growth. The Midlands will receive £5mn of support for a new trade and investment package. The prospectus has five central themes – promoting the ‘Engine’, skills, innovation, finance for business, and transport. It is expected that the first Midlands Engine trade mission will happen next year and will be led by Javid.
