Description of project aims, partners involved and what was done

The EIU has developed a storyboard to host a range of dashboards, geospatial content, reports and key evaluation pieces to support Active Black Country in understanding the landscape of physical activity, as well as the factors that influence participation and wellbeing - supporting them in creating a more active and healthier subregion.

Description of impact

This digital tool enables users to explore dashboards and maps that visualise nationally validated datasets alongside case studies and programme insights from the perspective of Active Black Country’s six strategic objectives, highlighting its impact on the region and supporting the assessment of programme delivery to ensure that outcomes remain responsive, inclusive and evidence led.

Project output

On behalf of Active Black Country, The EIU also produced the 2024-25 Impact Report, capturing the key programmes and activities involving Active Black Country and its partners to showcase the impact of these organisations’ work on creating a more active region.

Date of Project: June 2025 - Present

Description of project aims, partners involved and what was done

Following the UK Government’s launch of the Plan for Neighbourhoods on 4 March 2025, which will provide up to £20 million in funding for 75 places across the UK over the next decade, The Economic Intelligence Unit has been supporting Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall Councils in preparing for the programme.

The EIU has delivered tailored data analysis, storymaps and presentations to inform discussions across the broad themes that Neighbourhood Boards may wish to address through the Plan. The data packs produced provide accessible, place-based evidence to help Boards identify and substantiate local priorities, challenges and opportunities.

Description of impact

This work equips local partners with the robust intelligence needed to make informed, evidence-led decisions, ensuring that neighbourhood-level investment aligns with community needs and supports inclusive local development.

Project output

View Dudley Plan for Neighbourhoods Storymap here

View Smethwick Plan for Neighbourhoods Storymap here

View Darlaston Plan for Neighbourhoods Storymap here

Date of project: May 2025 - present day

Description of project aims, partners involved and what was done

The Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) conducted a comprehensive analysis of the Industrial Strategy 8 (IS-8) sectors across the West Midlands Combined Authority area. These eight priority sectors — Advanced Manufacturing, Digital and Technologies, Creative Industries, Clean Energy, Defence, Financial Services, Life Sciences, and Professional & Business Services — form the backbone of the region’s industrial and innovation capabilities.

Working in partnership with the Black Country local authorities, The EIU utilised data from The Data City and the Office for National Statistics (ONS) to develop detailed analytical reports. These reports explored business concentration, employment scale, productivity, growth, and investment patterns across each local authority and for the region as a whole.

Description of impact

The analysis provides a robust evidence base to inform strategic planning, investment priorities, and sector development initiatives across the West Midlands. It highlights where economic strengths are concentrated, where new opportunities are emerging, and how the regional economy is evolving around its most dynamic industrial clusters.

Project Output

The EIU developed a series of analytical reports for each of the Black Country local authorities, as well as aggregate analysis for the WMCA and the Black Country.

View the reports here

Date of project: September 2025

Description of project aims, partners involved and what was done

In November 2024, Wolverhampton City Council implemented its first increase in city centre car parking charges in over five years. To understand the economic and behavioural implications of this change, the Council commissioned The Economic Intelligence Unit to undertake a detailed impact assessment on city centre vitality.

The EIU integrated multiple data sources to provide a comprehensive, evidence-based analysis of the policy’s effects. This included car park usage data (ticket sales and revenue trends) to monitor demand shifts; footfall data across key city centre routes to track visitor movement; and business sentiment research, including engagement with hospitality, retail and cultural operators, to capture lived experience and perceptions.

Description of impact

The findings provided Wolverhampton City Council with a balanced understanding of the short- and medium-term impacts of the parking charge increase, supporting informed decision-making around accessibility, inclusion, and economic competitiveness within the city centre.

Date of project: August 2025

Description of project aims, partners involved and what was done

The EIU has produced a comprehensive dashboard for the West Midlands Combined Authority to track inputs and outputs from the WMCA Investment Programme. Utilising spreadsheet functions and Excel VBA, the output dashboard streamlined data entry and performed automated calculations to aggregate a range of metrics across multiple projects and transform them into dynamic data visualisations.

Description of impact

Outputs such as jobs, commercial floorspace and roads were categorised under each of the 4 WMCA mayoral priorities, with the ability to filter the data by local authority area, organisation responsible for delivery and by programme to present audience-specific actionable insights. The dashboard featured a timeline for tracking real-time progress against target delivery dates, along with an additional monitoring tool to oversee both completed and remaining outputs.

Project output

The dashboard is being used to guide the WMCA in taking actions to deliver their objectives of jobs, homes, growth and journeys across the WMCA area through the projects included in the Investment Programme.

Date of project: January 2025 – July 2025

Description of project aims, partners involved and what was done

The Economic Intelligence Unit developed a comprehensive economic evidence base to support local authorities across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland in preparing their Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) proposal.

The analysis established a detailed economic baseline covering GVA, employment, business base, earnings, housing, and labour market participation, alongside indicators of qualifications, deprivation, and employment floorspace. It also examined commuting patterns, sectoral composition, business dynamics, and investment flows to better understand the region’s economic structure and interdependencies.

A detailed labour market profile explored trends in job postings, salaries, and skills demand, while the Oxford Economics Model was applied to forecast GVA, population and unemployment to 2050. The modelling also estimated potential tax returns to HM Treasury if all proposed strategic pipeline assets were realised.

Description of impact

The research provides a robust, data-driven picture of the region’s economic potential, strengthening the evidence base underpinning the LGR proposal and demonstrating the strategic and fiscal credibility of the reorganisation case.

Date of Project: July 2025 - August 2025

Description of project aims, partners involved and what was done:

In collaboration with City-Redi, The EIU have produced a report for the West Midlands Combined Authority exploring future opportunities across the WMCA geography. Quantitative analysis drawing on firm-level and spatial data has been synthesised with the qualitative insights gained from stakeholder engagement to:

• Define and prioritise emerging and future opportunities based on economic potential.
• Assess sector strengths using innovation, investment, business, and talent indicators.
• Understand how these opportunities interact, including their role in supply chains and enabling technologies.
• Provide a prioritisation framework highlighting high-potential industries across the region.

Description of impact

The research provides clear, evidence-based insights to support the development of the WMCA’s Local Growth Plan, helping to guide strategic investment and policy focus towards the region’s most promising and future-facing industries.

Project output

View the report here

Date of project: January 2025 - April 2025

Description of project aims, partners involved and what was done

The West Midlands is a major economic powerhouse, generating £160.4bn in Gross Value Added (GVA) and supporting over 2.7 million jobs across 231,900 businesses. Among its key strengths is a vibrant health, social care, and life sciences sector, spanning healthcare, pharmaceuticals, biotech, medical devices, and social care, which supports 366,000 jobs, 10,000 businesses, and contributes £14.6bn in GVA.

Health Innovation West Midlands (HIWM), a licensed Health Innovation Network (HIN) hosted by University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB), commissioned The Economic Intelligence Unit to develop an up-to-date market assessment of the region’s health and life sciences sector.

The project aimed to establish a robust evidence base of the sector’s industrial and commercial landscape, mapping key players across related sub-sectors such as pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, and R&D. This work provides clarity on the scale, structure, and interconnections of the regional health economy, addressing a long-standing data gap and supporting HIWM’s mission to drive innovation-led growth.

Description of impact

The research delivers a clear, data-driven value proposition for the region’s health and life sciences sector, equipping HIWM with robust evidence to strengthen engagement with industry, academia, and policymakers. It also establishes a foundation for two subsequent reports on Strategically Important Entities (SIEs) and Value Proposition, helping to guide future collaboration and investment.

Project output

View the project report here

Date of project: January 2025 - April 2025

Description of project aims, partners involved and what was done

The West Midlands Health Technologies Sector represents a vital and rapidly evolving component of the West Midlands Combined Authority’s (WMCA) economy, with potential to drive significant innovation, investment and economic growth. To fully unlock this potential, it is necessary to have a robust understanding of the sector. This report and its accompanying validated company list, commissioned by the West Midlands Health Technologies Cluster (WMHTC) provides a comprehensive baseline mapping of the sector as of October 2024.

The nuanced and evolving nature of health technology, which intersects with various other industries and often falls under the broader classifications, makes it difficult to map precisely. As a result, many companies within this sector may be underrepresented and/or misclassified in broader datasets. This challenge underscores the importance of this exercise which aims to shed a light on a sector which traditional classifications may overlook.

Description of impact

This baseline mapping exercise, via secondary data, serves as a first step in a broader strategy to support the growth and development of the WMCA’s Health Technologies sector and its wider associated clusters. Through meticulous data collection, and the creation of a validated list, this report provides additional insights and analysis into the sector providing a credible baseline.

Project output

View The Report Here

Date of project: April 2024 - October 2024

Description of project aims, partners involved and what was done

The EIU provided the resource behind the Midlands Engine Observatory, which is a cross regional partnership with the ability to harness region-wide strengths and expertise as we work towards a successful future. It is also a core part of the work of the Midlands Engine, where it provides essential insight and information to support all areas of delivery. By tracking the impact of the interventions made across the region, the Observatory can quantify the impact of programmes and activities at a pan-regional level.

Description of impact

The Midlands Engine Observatory gathers data and intelligence, shapes policy insights and helps target investment for recovery and growth in our region. It is the only pan-regional Observatory in England. The Midlands Engine Observatory is an alliance of leading academic researchers and economic and industry experts working together to deliver the regionally focused research and analysis our partners need in every part of the Midlands.

Project output

Access the Midlands Engine Legacy page here

Date of project: 2019 - 2025

Description of project aims, partners involved and what was done

The EIU provided background intelligence to the WorkWell scheme to enhance their business case to secure funding.

Description of impact

The EIU were integral to providing the background intelligence to a consortium of partners working on a bid for the WorkWell scheme, successfully enabling the consortium to win £3.7m for the Black Country area. The Black Country is one of 15 places around the country to be chosen as a pilot area

The WorkWell scheme will provide early intervention to people who are experiencing barriers to gain or retain employment due to health conditions or disabilities. It aims to support 4,000 local people on their journey to gain employment or retain jobs, providing them with the support to start, stay or succeed in work.

The scheme will see organisations work together to provide personalised support to individuals to help them achieve their goals.

A partnership working across the NHS, local government, job centres, social housing, education, the voluntary sector, and wider employers was integral to the success of the bid for £3.7 million of government funding to make the scheme a reality.

It will be led by Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (BCHFT) but will draw on the expertise of partner organisations to provide knowledge and shared learning to develop the service, as well as opportunities to provide holistic support to participants. Work and Health Coaches will work with participants to gain an understanding of their needs, areas of work they are interested in pursuing and what help they need to overcome barriers to achieve their goals. The participant will be offered support and referred to other services if longer-term help is required.

Date of project: May 2024

Description of project aims, partners involved and what was done

The EIU team are involved with the 5G Innovation Regions (5GIR) work within the West Midlands. The EIU team worked closely with WM5G and partners to ensure the benefits of the project are captured and reported directly to The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) on a monthly and quarterly basis.

The WM 5GIR programme is part of a £40 million fund for local authorities across the UK to establish themselves as ‘5G Innovation Regions’ (5GIRs).

Description of impact

• Accelerate successful development and adoption of live solutions in sector adoption hubs (JLR plant in Solihull and Birmingham, Coventry, and Wolverhampton).
• Extract learnings from the hubs, raise awareness and engagement with other sector and technology organisations.
• Accelerate the development and adoption of live solutions via the sector adoption programmes by making it radically simpler to develop or adopt 5G solutions.

Date of project: Jan 2024 - March 2025

Description of project aims, partners involved and what was done

As part of its Health function, the West Midlands Combined Authority is producing a comprehensive Disability Needs Assessment, based on its core function – housing, transport, employment and skills as well as health and wellbeing and democratic data. 

The Economic Intelligence Unit was contracted by the West Midlands Combined Authority to review existing, principally local and regional data available on disabled people and in doing so, identify the trends, key messages and data gaps. This data evidence base complements the other disability insight and intelligence that has been contracted by the WMCA as part of its comprehensive Disability Needs Assessment.

Description of impact

This needs assessment will be used by the WMCA’s Disability Working Group to determine the “opportunities for action” which is proposed to be taken forward by the new West Midlands Mayor and the WMCA from June 2024.

Project output

View the Evidence Base Here

Date of project: February 2024 - April 2024

Description of project aims, partners involved and what was done

Metals and materials are everywhere. They are the foundation of our infrastructure, buildings, and vehicles, while inherent to the products we use on a day-to-day basis. In Sandwell and the wider West Midlands, these foundation industries remain a major part of the economy.

The Susan Orlik Trust commissioned The EIU to undertake a survey of metals and materials businesses across Sandwell to understand the experiences of these businesses in relation to apprenticeships.

The survey was collaboratively designed and developed by The EIU and the UK Metals Council (UKMC). The survey aligns with UKMC's mission to elevate and advocate for the UK Metals Sector while shaping policy development. The UKMC encompasses leaders from the full spectrum of the supply chain, from primary manufacturing to recycling, SME to OEM. The survey was conducted online between 1 March and 31 March 2024 and was distributed through a range of channels, including UKMC networks, social media, and email lists.

Description of impact

The results from the survey are intended to form the basis of a pilot project in Sandwell to improve the quantity and quality of apprenticeships in the Metals Sector while fostering stronger connections between schools and metals companies. 

The survey results offer insights into the potential barriers hindering companies' apprenticeship recruitment efforts and the broader macroeconomic factors impacting the metals sector. As part of the analysis of the results, we explored whether organisations had previously employed apprentices, if they were likely to in the future, if not, what was preventing them and what support and guidance would help them to recruit.

Project output

View the Survey Results Here

Date of project: February 2024 - July 2024

Description of project aims, partners involved and what was done

The Economic Intelligence Unit was commissioned by the City of Wolverhampton Council in March 2024 to provide a partial update of the BOP Consulting strategic planning for culture report from 2016.

This refresh was to primarily focus on providing an update on the culture and creative industries for jobs, businesses and the value of the economy. Along with also providing insights into Wolverhampton’s culture and creative industries assets, participation in cultural engagement, the visitor economy and investment.

Description of impact

The refreshed report equips Wolverhampton City Council with up-to-date evidence on the creative and cultural sector, informing strategic planning, investment decisions, and policy development to support the city’s creative economy and cultural engagement.

Project output

View the Cultural Compact Evidence Base Here

Date of project: March 2024

Description of project aims, partners involved and what was done

The Economic Intelligence Unit, working within their Midlands Engine Observatory function provided the evidence base to underpin the Energy Security White Paper which was being written for the Midlands Engine. The Energy Security White Paper aim was to inform and help shape national policy and investment so that they are fully cognisant of the Midlands context and opportunity – for national and regional benefit.

The Evidence Base included a comprehensive analysis on:

Midlands Energy Overview

• Energy consumption by region/sector – gas/oil/electricity
• Energy generation by region/type
• Renewable energy generation & capacity
  

Midlands Business & Energy Overview

• Proportion of ‘energy intensive’ businesses in region – how does this compare to other regions?
• Size of commercial ‘energy sector’ in the region

Midlands Energy Vectors

• Wind (offshore and onshore)
• Solar
• Hydrogen
• Nuclear
• Energy from Waste
• Biomass
• Heat networks

Midlands Energy Systems

• Heat networks
• Power generation
• Smart energy systems/networks

Energy efficiency

Description of impact

This evidence base provided the foundation for future studies into Midlands Energy systems. More information can be found here.

Project output

View the evidence base here

Date of project: December 2023 - January 2024

Description of project aims, partners involved and what was done

The EIU were commissioned by the West Midlands Combined Authority to undertake an evaluation of the West Midlands Investment Programme as part of the Gainshare Review.

The key issues to be explored through the research were:

• Looking at projects progress against project milestones / outputs and outcomes
• Expectations on future outcomes
• Extent to which the Investment Fund is levering in additional sources of finance to the West Midlands
• Key delivery lessons, including how far the project is encouraging local/ regional solutions and helping to leverage key assets/ expertise in area
• Additionality – to what extent partners would be taking forward activity without Investment Fund support.

Date of project: September 2023 - March 2025

Description of project aims, partners involved and what was done

The Black Country LEP established the West Midlands Metals and Materials Forum in 2021 to provide the sector with a representative voice and a policy platform bridging public and private sectors. The Forum brings together businesses, trade bodies (including the UK Metals Council), and universities.

Now coordinated by The Economic Intelligence Unit, the Forum uses an evidence-led, industry-driven approach to identify sector opportunities and challenges. Activities include gathering business evidence, producing reports, and engaging directly with government departments and other organisations on key issues such as steel import quotas, energy exemption schemes, and skills development.

Description of impact

The Forum provides the metals and materials sector with a clear, evidence-based voice, influencing policy decisions, shaping sector support programmes, and driving collaboration between industry, academia, and government to address critical regional and national challenges.

Date of project: Quarterly

Description of project aims, partners involved and what was done

The Economic Intelligence Unit, in collaboration with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), conducted an analysis of regional and sub-regional trends across the WMCA area. The project aimed to identify groups and places influencing regional growth, positively or negatively, and to highlight areas meriting further investigation through deeper-dive discussions.

The analysis was conducted at a West Midlands “7 Met” level to translate national workforce and economic trends into local insights. This included examining workforce composition, patterns of economic inactivity, and health-related barriers to employment.

Description of impact

The research equips local decision-makers with a clearer understanding of the local workforce, enabling targeted interventions to address economic inactivity due to ill-health. The evidence also supports collaboration with NHS colleagues and other stakeholders to develop programs that improve employment outcomes and regional economic performance.

Project output

View the storymap here

Date of project: June 2023

Description of project aims, partners involved and what was done

With funding from the Woodland Trust’s Emergency Tree Fund, The Economic Intelligence Unit partnered with Birmingham Tree People, Treeconomics, Barton Hyett Associates, and Forest Research to survey 1,000 plots across the Black Country. The project aimed to assess the health and resilience of the urban forest and identify where tree planting could provide the greatest benefits for people and wildlife.

The study documented the number, condition, and species diversity of trees, measured the ecosystem services they provide, and conducted a risk analysis of susceptibility to pests and diseases. It also aimed to promote awareness of the Black Country’s urban forest and the benefits of trees for residents and the environment.

Description of impact

The project provides a robust, evidence-based understanding of the Black Country’s urban forest, helping local authorities, partners, and communities to protect, manage, and invest in trees and green infrastructure. The data supports strategic decision-making, highlights ecosystem benefits, and raises public awareness of the value of urban trees for both people and wildlife.

Project output

View the storymap here

View the canopy cover by ward map here

Date of project: January 2021 - January 2023

Description of project aims, partners involved and what was done

The Economic Intelligence Unit has supported the Black Country’s Economy of Together (EOT) vision, which aims to create a more sustainable, healthy, and inclusive economy by 2030. The 2021-published EOT 2030 Action Plan sets out a collective vision driven by four pillars: equalities, education, enterprise, and environment, with a cross-cutting focus on health.

The EIU provides an intelligence-led framework underpinning the plan, delivering data, insight, and analysis to support decision-making. The EIU has actively contributed to implementation, including the establishment and growth of the Black Country Anchor Network and local authority-level networks, collaborating with the NHS, local authorities, and other anchor institutions.

Description of impact

By providing evidence-based insight and supporting collaborative networks, The EIU helps to track and drive progress on the EOT Action Plan. This ensures actions are inclusive, measurable, and targeted, supporting sustainable economic growth and improved outcomes for people and communities across the Black Country.

Project output

View The Economy of Together Action plan here 

Date of project: 2020 - 2022

Description of project aims, partners involved and what was done

Repowering the Black Country aims to support manufacturing businesses in decarbonising their operations, contributing to the government’s clean growth challenge. The project seeks to reduce industrial carbon emissions in the Black Country by approximately 1.3MtCO² by 2040.

The Economic Intelligence Unit provided the evidence base for the initiative, conducting a detailed mapping exercise to identify the distribution of energy-intensive industries across the region. The analysis also pinpointed four initial zero-carbon hub locations and assessed existing and planned energy infrastructure to explore potential co-benefits with surrounding developments.

Additionally, The EIU developed an interactive portal to host project maps and data for ongoing use by the project team.

Description of impact

The project equips stakeholders with robust, location-specific data to inform decarbonisation strategies, site selection, and infrastructure planning. By providing a clear understanding of industrial energy use and opportunities for zero-carbon hubs, the work supports sustainable industrial transformation in the Black Country.

Project output

View the storymap here

View the project website here

Date of project: March 2020 - March 2023

Description of project aims, partners involved and what was done

The Economic Intelligence Unit delivered the end-of-project evaluation for the West Midlands 5G (WM5G) Urban Connected Communities Programme. The evaluation aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the programme, synthesising results, benefits, and lessons learned across WM5G workstreams.

The EIU assessed the programme’s achievements against the ambitions set out in its original business case, drawing on data and insights from multiple stakeholders and project activities to provide a high-level evaluation of overall programme performance.

Description of impact

The evaluation provides stakeholders with a clear understanding of WM5G’s outcomes, successes, and areas for improvement. The findings support future digital infrastructure initiatives in the West Midlands and provide lessons for scaling similar technology-driven projects elsewhere.

Project output

View the report here

Date of project: January 2022 - March 2022

Description of project aims, partners involved and what was done

The West Midlands Local Industrial Strategy (LIS), launched in 2019, was the first of its kind and developed by the West Midlands Combined Authority in partnership with the region’s three LEPs.

The Economic Intelligence Unit, working with academic partners, was integral to the strategy’s development, publication, and delivery. The EIU led the evidence gathering and analysis for the LIS, including in-depth macroeconomic and sector deep dives. It also supported the creation and implementation of five industry-led sector action plans covering aerospace, construction, health and care, metals and materials, and rail.

The EIU’s work ensured the strategy was underpinned by a comprehensive, robust evidence base across productivity drivers, policy areas, and key sectors.

Description of impact

The evidence and analysis provided by The EIU enabled the LIS to be firmly grounded in data and insight, supporting informed decision-making and strategic investment across the West Midlands. The sector action plans have guided industry-led interventions and policy initiatives, helping to drive regional growth and productivity improvements.

Project output

View the Evidence Base Here

Date of project: 2018 - 2019