What May’s Local Elections Mean for the West Midlands — and the Future of Devolution
In this article, Chris Smith (Founder and CEO, Centre for the New Midlands) unpacks why May’s local elections may prove a defining moment for the West Midlands and the wider devolution agenda. As we approach the local elections on 7th May, there appears to be a significant divide in the public mood, more so […]
When sports-led regeneration only works on matchdays, it has already failed
In this article, Joe Anthony (Account Manager – Planning and Built Environment, PLMR) provides some reflections on the Centre’s recent Connections for Prosperity: Beyond the Sport conference. Big sporting events have tended to dominate conversations about regeneration. They bring attention, visitors and moments of civic pride. But the real test comes after the […]
‘Connections for Prosperity: Beyond the Sport’ conference delivered for the region
Sports regeneration across the West Midlands will bring thousands of jobs into the region – including 16,000 linked to Birmingham’s proposed Sports Quarter – delegates at a major conference were told. More than 250 leaders from sport, business, infrastructure and policy gathered at Edgbaston Stadium for the Centre for the New Midlands’ Connections for Prosperity: […]
Demographics Are Shifting From Bell to Bulb-Shaped
As birth rates plunge and populations age worldwide, Dan Pontefract (expert in leadership, corporate culture, and organizational performance) explores how societies are shifting from a stable “bell-curve” of young workers to a top-heavy “light-bulb” demographic that could upend economies, workplaces, and the future of growth. Since time immemorial, our society and the workplace have […]
Time for a handbrake turn
As the country heads toward a pivotal May election, Mike Leonard (Visiting Professor, Centre for Future Homes at Birmingham City University & CNM Housing & Communities Leadership Board Member) argues that incremental U-turns are no longer enough—and that it’s time for a decisive reset. In this hard-hitting piece, he warns of fraying social cohesion, rising […]
Learning important lessons from housing history
This article, authored by Dominic Bradley (CEO, Lench’s Trust and Member of CNM’s Housing and Communities Leadershp Board) traces social housing back to its almshouse origins to argue that the sector’s future may depend on rediscovering its past. From Tudor England to today’s housing and ageing crises, Dominic highlights how almshouses pioneered dignity, community and […]
Cyber – Threat or Opportunity?
In this article, Helen Barge (Principal-Senior Risk and Resilience Consultant at Barnett Waddingham) challenges the traditional narrative that cyber security is simply a negative risk to be managed and instead invites leaders to see it as a strategic opportunity. Drawing on real-world examples, government direction, supply chain realities, behavioural insights and emerging legislation, the article explores […]
“Our biggest and best Winter Reception!”
The Centre for the New Midlands (CNM) proudly hosted its annual Winter Reception last night (15 December) in the historic Churchill Room of the Houses of Parliament, bringing together policymakers, business leaders, and members of CNM’s Reimagining the Region network for an evening of insight, discussion and celebration. Kindly sponsored by Weightmans LLP, the event […]
Budget 2025: Key points for the West Midlands
Following Budget 2025 (admittedly delivered prematurely by the Office of Budget Responsibility thanks to a technical error), here is an overview of what we believe are the most relevant and significant announcements for businesses and residents across the West Midlands region. Growing the Regional Economy The West Midlands is a Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA) and […]
Strategic Investment Beyond the Frontier Economy
In this article, Dan Storer argues that the renewal of the UK’s town centres is not a peripheral concern but a central pillar of national economic strategy. While the country’s new Industrial Strategy focuses on frontier sectors such as advanced manufacturing, clean energy and AI, Dan contends that these ambitions cannot succeed without equal attention […]