EXPLORE OUR RESEARCH
Housing & Communities
We explore the policies, challenges, and opportunities shaping housing and communities across the Midlands. Our research focuses on building thriving, inclusive neighbourhoods where people have access to safe, affordable homes and resources they need to flourish.
Digital
Digital technology is transforming how we live, work, and connect. Our research examines how the Midlands can harness digital innovation to boost productivity, close the digital divide, and ensure everyone benefits from the opportunities of a connected future.
Infrastructure
From transport networks to energy systems, infrastructure is the backbone of a thriving region. We investigate how the Midlands can develop sustainable, resilient infrastructure that drives economic growth, improves connectivity, and enhances quality of life.
Employability & Skills
The region faces some of the UK’s highest levels of economic inactivity, persistent productivity gaps, and deep inequalities between places. The Board will provide a policy platform capable of shaping long-term solutions that support inclusive growth and a competitive, future-ready workforce.
We are the only independent, non-partisan, not for profit think tank for the West Midlands region.
Producing Research. Informing Policy. Creating a ‘better’ West Midlands.
RTR MEMBERS
organisations working together to shape the Midlands’ future
EVENTS
TO DATE
Thought-provoking gatherings connecting people and ideas across the region
KEY ADVISORS
Experts and researchers driving our mission forward every day across the region and beyond
LINKEDIN FOLLOWERS
Active partners collaborating to deliver real impact in the Midlands
NEWS & EXPERT COMMENTARY
We keep asking young people to be employer-ready. But are employers young-people-ready?
“Talent is everywhere. Opportunity isn’t.” It’s a phrase I return to often because it captures a major challenge facing young...
Andy Street on Burnham, devolution and the fight for a regional voice
At a time when the former Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has just got the biggest promotion of his...
The West Midlands at a Crossroads: Skills, Employability and the Power of Place
In the last few months, a set of national and regional reports and announcements have highlighted the challenges and opportunities...
Funding the Regional Government – Summary of a session at CFP26
In one of the final sessions of CFP26, this discussion explored one of the UK’s biggest economic challenges: how regional...
In Conversation with Doug King – Summary of our closing plenary at CFP26
Doug King’s fireside chat with broadcaster Phil Upton explored the role that businesses, football clubs and local leaders can play...
In Conversation with Sir Andy Street – Summary of our afternoon plenary at CFP26
In a wide-ranging fireside discussion at the Centre for the New Midlands’ Connections for Prosperity conference, former West Midlands Mayor...
Affordable Housing – A Regional Success Story? – Summary of a session at CFP26
The panel session Affordable Housing – A Regional Success Story? brought together senior leaders from across the housing sector to...
Reindustrialisation: from Cameron to Burnham
Reindustrialisation is back on the political agenda In the early years of David Cameron’s premiership, he told a client of...
‘Where the West Meets the East: Building a Midlands Response to the Northern Powerhouse’ – Summary of a session at CFP26
In one of the opening breakout sessions at the Centre for the New Midlands’ Connections for Prosperity conference, a panel...
‘A New Political Chapter for Birmingham’ – CFP26 Opening Plenary summary
Connections for Prosperity 2026 opened with an engaging interview between Birmingham City Council’s newly elected Leader, Cllr Roger Harmer, and...
West Midlands leaders unite as Devolution firmly returns to the national agenda
Working together to improve the prosperity of the West Midlands is more important than ever now devolution is back on...
The Future of Renting: Housing Leaders Debate Reform
Housing leaders, policymakers, researchers, landlords and tenant representatives came together at Birmingham Council House this week for the Centre for...
UPCOMING EVENTS
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