Join us for an exclusive evening in the historic Churchill Room at the Palace of Westminster on Monday 14 December 2026, as we bring members of our Reimagining the Region network together for our annual Winter Reception.  This invitation only event will be hosted from 6.30pm – 9.30pm and has been generously hosted by Antonia Bance MP (Member of Parliament for Tipton and Wednesbury).

This prestigious gathering is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements, partnerships and progress that have shaped the Midlands throughout 2026 — while looking ahead to the opportunities and ambitions that will define 2027.

Set within one of the most iconic venues in the country, the evening will provide a unique opportunity to connect with fellow members, regional leaders and influential voices from across the Midlands in the Mother of Parliaments.  Please note that this is an exclusive event for members of our Reimagining the Region network.

We are delighted that the event is being generously sponsored by Weightmans LLP and enfinium.

 

If your organisation is not yet a member of our network, please contact Chris Smith (Founder and CEO) via chris@thenewmidlands.org.uk to join.  Annual rates start from £475 + VAT – we look forward to welcoming you.  Should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact chris@thenewmidlands.org.uk 

 

About our event sponsors:

 

 

“As one of the UK’s leading energy from waste operators, enfinium is supporting our country’s journey to a Net Zero economy.  We do this by operating and developing six decarbonisation hubs around the UK, where we use waste that would otherwise go to landfill to generate homegrown energy.  For more information, please visit enfinium ”

 

“A leading national and international player in its client markets, Weightmans’ roots date back to the early 19th century. With 146 specialisms recognised and 453 experts listed in key legal directories, the firm offers a full spectrum of services to built environment enterprises, large corporate institutions, health organisations, insurance companies, public sector bodies, owner managed businesses and individual private clients.  For more information, please visit Leading Law Firm With a Truly Global Reach | Weightmans

 

About our parliamentary sponsor:

 

 

 

We would like to express our sincere thanks to Antonia Bance MP (Labour Member of Parliament for Tipton, Wednesbury and Coseley) for being our parliamentary sponsor for the event.

‘As Labour MP for Tipton, Wednesbury and Coseley and a member of the Business and Trade Select Committee, my work focuses on the future of British industry. I have a particular interest in manufacturing, steel and metals, automotive, robotics and the policies needed to support investment, productivity and skilled jobs. I’m an officer of the All-Party Manufacturing Group and a Make UK Manufacturing Champion. I champion the Black Country – the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and the UK’s manufacturing heartland – and help shape a modern industrial strategy that delivers growth, opportunity and economic security.’

 

About our event host:

 

 

Whilst at university, Leon founded one of the country’s earliest social media marketing agencies and went on to co-found a London-based communications agency. His shareholding in the business was sold in 2018.

After exiting his business, Leon worked in Westminster serving as an aide and adviser to multiple government ministers. In 2019, Leon served as Chief of Staff to the Brexit Secretary and Chief Secretary to the Treasury during an eventful period in politics that spanned Brexit, the 2019 general election and the pandemic.

After returning to the private sector, Leon has served as a trusted adviser to business leaders from the likes of Aston Martin, Virgin Galactic and easyJet. In 2024, Leon founded Nostrada AI – a business that creates digital twins of political stakeholders.