Investment Interventions and Opportunities

The Midlands Engine Investment Portfolio showcase the most significant capital propositions in the region, and the Midlands Engine Investment Fund which provides commercially focussed finance through Small Business Loans, Debt Finance, Proof of concept and Equity Finance funds.

To find out more about navigating the dynamic investment landscape of the Midlands, please visit the below: Understanding Inward Investment Support in the Midlands.

Investment Intervention: Investment Zones in the Midlands

Investment Zones are designed to harness local strengths and untapped potential by providing tax reliefs, planning support, and business development resources. They aim to remove barriers to private sector growth and create high-quality jobs. Each zone focuses on growing at least one of five priority sectors: advanced manufacturing, creative industries, digital and tech, green industries, and life sciences. The Midlands has one established zone, and one prospective investment zones:

• Established: West Midlands Investment Zone. This zone builds on the region’s historic strengths in advanced manufacturing and will drive growth in battery, digital and sustainable construction technologies across 3 core sites: Birmingham City Centre, Coventry-Warwick Gigapark and Green Innovation Corridor.

• Prospective: East Midlands Investment Zone. This zone will focus on the advanced manufacturing and green industries sectors across Derby, Derbyshire, and Nottinghamshire.

Investment Intervention: Freeports

Freeports boost regional economies by partnering local government, businesses, and key stakeholders with central government support. They offer tax relief, public investment, and innovation incentives, attracting £2.9 billion in investment and creating 6,000 jobs in just two years. Freeports are managed by a board of businesses and local councils to ensure transparency and accountability, of which the Midlands has two:

• East Midlands Freeport – As the only UK inland freeport, East Midlands Freeport is creating a national, world-leading hub for global trade and investment. They will be a hotbed for innovation and low carbon energy production, boost skills and encourage sustainable job creation, in the heart of England with unrivalled connectivity by rail, road and air. Find out more here.
• Humber Freeport – As the UK’s Energy Estuary, the Humber specialises in offshore wind and renewable energy, with significant strengths, capabilities and assets in advanced manufacturing, advanced chemicals processing, maritime services, and logistics. Humber Freeport inspires transformative change, driving innovation, and sustainability to boost global trade and investment. By championing the UK’s net zero agenda, it will create jobs and foster prosperity both regionally and globally. Find out more here.