Partner Amardeep Gill was one of 20 business leaders from across the West Midlands region that joined the Centre for the New Midlands for its first ever Roundtable in partnership with Trowers & Hamlins.
The Centre for the New Midlands strive to develop and disseminate new ideas to enrich the lives of the region's citizens and enhance political discourse across the area.
At the Roundtable guests explored the soon to be announced ‘Devolution Deal 3’ for the West Midlands and specifically, the Mayor’s ambitions to secure greater control over trade and investment.
Supported by Trowers, the Roundtable welcomed leaders from a whole host of sectors and organisations from across the West Midlands and this report draws on the themes and issues discussed.
The Roundtable guests discussed the growing momentum behind expanding the devolution programme across the United Kingdom and how there is a creative tension between a local desire for greater autonomy and resources and a central recognition that better national outcomes can often be achieved locally.
The report also explores the Levelling Up White Paper and the impact it will have on the local authority landscape as well as how it intends to provide councils like the West Midlands Combined Authority with more powers.
Amardeep Gill, commented:
"This report provides an excellent overview of the key themes and issues discussed at the highly engaging Roundtable event which was attended by some of the leading business figures in the region.
"This is an exciting time for the Midlands region and the prospect of further devolution is one that is creating real enthusiasm. The report explores the many facets of devolution and the opportunities that it presents as well as providing a summary of all the insightful perspectives of those that attended.
"Thank you to Chris Smith and everyone at the Centre for the New Midlands for their work in providing a platform for this much needed discussion on how devolution and the levelling up agenda can be of true benefit to those from the Midlands region."
Chris Smith, Founder and Managing Director of the Centre for the New Midlands, added:
"Having the opportunity to gather some of the most influential business leaders in the Midlands region to engage in a crucial conversation on how devolution and the levelling up agenda can help take the Midlands to the next level has been vital in terms of exposing the current opportunities and challenges. We look forward to playing a key role in driving future conversations and helping the Midlands to reach its full potential."
Read the report here.
