Express & Star

Universities combine at West Midlands forum

Six of the region’s universities will be coming together at the West Midlands Forum for Growth to showcase how they are accelerating change through their expertise, innovation and research.

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The West Midlands Forum for Growth on September18 in The Vox Centre, Birmingham, will see professionals from the private and public sector to engage and debate the key issues in the growing West Midlands economy.

The theme is ‘The UK’s New Growth Capital’ and the universities are collaborating to demonstrate how individually and collectively, they make vital contribution to this growth, offering leadership and game changing research in specialist fields.

Academics from Aston University, Coventry University, Birmingham City University, University of Birmingham, University of Warwick and University of Wolverhampton will be exhibiting and delivering breakout sessions that focus on the West Midlands Combined Authority’s key growth sectors, advanced technologies and world class expertise.

More than 300 delegates have been confirmed for the event, which runs from 8am to 6pm. A number of subjects are to be discussed throughout the day, including: infrastructure (HS2 and the interconnected transport network), industry, regeneration, skills, place making and homes.

Nicola Hewitt, commercial director at the West Midlands Growth Company said: “West Midlands Forum for Growth is an important event, it is a chance for major players in the public and private sector to get together to discuss ideas, find solutions to issues and plan for the future.

“The event will allow participants to see and find out about the cutting edge innovation of our universities. Again and again they are evidencing their ability to work effectively with business which is crucial to attracting investment in our region.

“To have them come together like this will clearly demonstrate their collective strength to accelerate the growth of the West Midlands.”

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “The sense of opportunity in the West Midlands is greater than ever and the West Midlands Forum for Growth is designed to capitalise on these opportunities.

“The West Midlands has seen impressive growth in the number of start-up companies in the region with more and more ambitious businesses choosing to locate here, therefore it is important that we have a highly skilled talent pool to choose from.

“The West Midlands universities ensure that this talent pool is available and the collaboration will help them all to challenge the status quo and ignite ideas making them a powerful force.”

For more information on the event visit: www.westmidlandsforumforgrowth.co.uk