New Report Out Today: Developing a Decent Neighbourhood Standard
The Centre for the New Midlands has today launched its latest research report: Developing a Decent Neighbourhood Standard: The Witton Lodge Community Association Demonstrator Project, commissioned by Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA) and developed in collaboration with the research group Social Life. Neighbourhoods are the foundation of daily life—where housing, community, infrastructure, and local identity […]
The Spotlight on the Supercluster – the heart of national renewal
On 12th May, the Centre for the New Midlands hosted a Reception at the Houses of Parliament, in partnership with MIRA Tech Park, to put the spotlight on ‘The Rise of the Supercluster: the West Midlands’ Vehicle for Growth’. In this article, Sarah Windrum (Head of Cluster Development, MIRA Tech Park & Member of CNM’s […]
West Midlands Futures: Building on a Strong Vision to Transform Social Housing
On 30th April, the West Midlands Combined Authority published its ‘West Midlands Futures Green Paper’ designed to “to support a conversation across the West Midlands about our long-term strategic priorities as we embark on a ten-year programme of regional transformation to unlock inclusive growth and increase our residents’ living standards.” In this article, Joanna Lee-Mills […]
Launching my Police and Crime Plan 2025-2029
In this article, Simon Foster (Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands) sets out his Police and Crime Plan (2025-2029) for the region; highlights some of the key achievements over the past four years and reiterates his call for a fairer funding model for West Midlands Police. (May 2025) I started my career in […]
You need a data strategy to harness AI
“Despite the West Midlands’ strong industrial base, many businesses in the region are lagging in adopting AI and data-driven technologies” In this article, Hollie Whittles (Director, Purple Frog Systems and Member of CNM’s Digital Leadership Board) outline why ‘the future belongs to businesses that can harness the power of data’. (March 2025) Despite the West […]
Rebuilding Trust Through Tech: Using IoT and AI to Tackle Damp and Mould in Social Housing
“Across the UK, social housing providers are grappling with a growing crisis: persistent damp and mould, particularly in older properties with poor ventilation and inadequate heating systems. For tenants, the effects are more than just discomfort—they impact health, wellbeing, and trust in the system designed to support them.” In this article, Chinedu Ekechukwu (Adjunct Quantitative […]
HS2 – Beyond Curzon Street and Interchange
In February 2024, the Centre for the New Midlands – with our partners ‘Midlands Rail Alliance’ – brought together the then Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street and a panel of experts to discuss the Midlands Rail Hub project. A year on and we returned to the STEAMhouse, this time with AtkinsRéalis and […]
Why we cannot have it both ways
“ “Despite growing awareness of the importance of preserving our forests, deforestation remains a pressing challenge, driven by various economic, social, and political factors with little regard to the long-term consequences”. In this article, Mike Leonard (Visiting Professor, Centre for Future Homes at Birmingham City University and Member of CNM’s Housing and Communities Leadership Board) […]
Is there a seat at the table?
We are delighted to share a recently produced report, authored by Kai Jackson (Tpas Associate), with support from Dr. Gareth Young (UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence) and Louise Holt (Tpas). This report is focused on the significant barriers still prevent many ethnic minority tenants from fully participating in formal engagement activities within social housing. […]
Devolution: hardwired in or handbrake still on?
‘You never get everything you want in a negotiation – something always gets left on the table.’ These were the words that Andy Street (former Mayor of the West Midlands) said after getting the Devolution trailblazer deal for the region and the words that Matt Sutton (Director, Camargue) had echoing in his head when reading […]