The Investment Zone Board is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 29 July 2026. The meeting will cover updates on the progress of the West Midlands Investment Zone programme, including reports on specific site developments and regional initiatives. The Board will also consider proposed changes to its membership.

Investment Zone Programme Progress Report - Q1 2026/27

A significant portion of the meeting is scheduled to be dedicated to reviewing the Programme Progress Report for the first quarter of 2026/27. This report, presented by Steve Bowyer, Head of the West Midlands Investment Zone, will provide an update on the ongoing delivery of the West Midlands Investment Zone (WMIZ) programme. It will detail progress across key areas, including site delivery and investment attraction, as well as the implementation of regional business support programmes. The report is expected to cover developments at specific Investment Zone sites: the Birmingham Knowledge Quarter (B-KQ), the Coventry & Warwick Investment Zone (CWIZ), and the Wolverhampton Green Innovation Corridor (GIC).

For the Birmingham Knowledge Quarter, the report is expected to detail progress on innovation, investment, masterplanning, and placemaking, including the launch of Aston University's Innovation Place prospectus and Woodbourne's Birmingham BioCity . It will also cover strategic planning, capital transport projects like the Super Crossing and Active Travel schemes, and engagement at UKREiiF.

At the Coventry & Warwick Investment Zone, updates are anticipated on planning considerations, including proposals to amend the South Warwickshire Local Plan, and progress on power upgrades and enabling works for Greenpower Park. The report will also address infrastructure access following the cessation of airport operations and ongoing investor interest, particularly from battery manufacturers.

Regarding the Wolverhampton Green Innovation Corridor, the report is expected to outline progress on capital funding and business case development, including site surveys and design work. Market engagement and development partner activity will also be discussed, alongside the development of an Innovation District Masterplan.

In addition to site-specific updates, the report will cover regional and revenue programmes. This includes the Supply Chain Transition Programme, which has seen SME manufacturing businesses progress through its stages, with particular interest in the Electric Light Vehicle and Battery Manufacturing, and Aerospace clusters. The Midlands Mindforge initiative, aimed at supporting early-stage equity investment, is also expected to be discussed, along with the Skills Programme, which focuses on higher-level skills development in areas such as battery technology and medtech. The report will also touch upon Investment and Promotion activities, with West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC) playing a key role.

The report is also expected to include a Finance Update, detailing the programme's budget and expenditure, and will highlight the contribution of the WMIZ to the strategic priorities of the West Midlands Combined Authority, including inclusive economic growth, climate action, and community connectivity.

Investment Zone Board Membership

The Board is also scheduled to consider proposed changes to its membership. The report recommends the appointment of the University of Birmingham and the West Midlands Innovation Board as non-voting members. This proposal, presented by Steve Bowyer, aims to enhance the Board's insight and expertise on the region's innovation ecosystem and support the Investment Zone programme's objectives. The report outlines that these appointments would not affect the Board's formal decision-making processes.

The meeting documents can be accessed here: Agenda frontsheet 29th-Jul-2026 14.00 Investment Zone Board and Public reports pack 29th-Jul-2026 14.00 Investment Zone Board.