Priority Sectors
On top of recognising traditional sectors, the Midlands Engine Partnership has recognised four sectors where it works first to add value, change policy and drive investment. These cover the four sectors of Green Growth, Advanced Manufacturing, Food and Agri-Tech, and MedTech and Life Sciences.
Green Growth, while not a standalone sector, represents the broader shift towards a net-zero future, covering both traditional and emerging industries. For the Midlands Engine partnership, this involves supporting business growth and investment in sectors and natural assets that drive decarbonisation and foster a sustainable economy. The partnership has made significant progress on its Ten Point Plan for Green Growth, including investments in hydrogen transport, nature recovery, and nuclear fusion (via the STEP programme in West Burton).
Advanced Manufacturing
Advanced Manufacturing is central to the Midlands, home to major industries like aerospace, automotive, food, and medical technologies. Globally recognised firms such as Rolls-Royce, Jaguar Land Rover, and JCB provide skilled jobs, while the region boasts Europe’s largest aerospace cluster and strengths in rail and automotive. Local supply chains foster collaboration and innovation across sectors. Manufacturing accounts for a significant portion of the region’s economy, where according to Make UK, the East Midlands has the UK’s fifth largest region for Manufacturing in terms of GVA, whilst the West Midlands is sixth, with both regions being well above the UK average in terms of regional output. However, both regions face challenges with lower productivity.
The Midlands is a key player in the UK food sector, producing more food than any other region and serving as a hub for food distribution and logistics. The Midlands Engine Food White Paper emphasises the region’s pivotal role in national food security and sustainable growth. It calls for collaboration between industry, academia, the public sector, and government to create a transformative plan for the sector’s future. With over half (52%) of the UK’s larger food manufacturing companies (£100m+ turnover) and a fifth of the UK’s Agri-Tech businesses, the Midlands generates over £2 billion in exports and attracts substantial foreign investment.

Food White Paper
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Food White Paper Summary
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Opportunities for Growth in the Midlands Food and Drink Supply Chain
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Midlands Engine Food and Drink Sector and Supply Chain
Download reportThe MedTech and Life Sciences sector contributes £6bn in GVA to the Midlands and plays a crucial role in the wider healthcare economy, worth over £30bn. Employing over 32,000 people, the Midlands is a national leader, ranking among the top two regions for life sciences businesses. With strengths in medical devices, technologies, and digital health, the sector offers significant opportunities to improve local and national healthcare while reducing health inequalities. Its high productivity makes it a vital contributor to the region’s economy.

Health & Life Sciences Factsheet
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Midlands Engine Supply Research Report: Advanced Manufacturing Including MedTech Supply Chains
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