Who We Are

About Us

The Economic Intelligence Unit (The EIU) was first established in 2002 as a critical mechanism for understanding, analysing and presenting intelligence related to the Black Country economy, encompassing the City of Wolverhampton and the Borough Councils of Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall. We are a team of well-developed, highly qualified and experienced economists and themed analysts that support the needs of partners across the Midlands region.

SPEAK TO THE TEAM

Our Focus

We've been a constant presence through changes in local government and economic structures, offering valuable data and insights at all levels, from local to regional information and national government.

Our main focus has been the Black Country, supporting the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), local authorities, and other stakeholders through the Black Country Consortium. But we have extended our reach to the wider region through partnerships with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and the Midlands Engine.

Evolution in 2023

2023 marked a departure from The EIU’s roots within Black Country Consortium and the Black Country LEP, following the closure of these organisations. Recognising the unique asset grown in the sub-region, our expertise and resource remain. Our core role remains to provide economic intelligence support to the Black Country local authorities alongside the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and other key regional partners. We are also the delivery unit of the Midlands Engine Observatory.

Our Values

We are a publicly-funded, not-for-profit organisation, open to collaboration with public, private, academic, and other partners.

We are dedicated to providing the best evidence base to help our local partners create conditions for prosperity and thriving communities in the Black Country, the Midlands, and the wider UK.

Our Team

Find out more about Our Team