The West Midlands region has a strong reputation for manufacturing, with the likes of Jaguar Land Rover and Rolls-Royce among its satisfied customers. However, this cluster now faces new challenges, such as catering to advanced manufacturing demands and adjusting to a post-Brexit landscape. Jacopo Dettoni surveys the scene.

A number of office developments have popped up around Birmingham and the West Midlands in recent years as companies become increasingly tempted by the area’s young, skilled workforce and lower costs. Now, with the launch of HS2 fixed firmly on the horizon, the region’s offering looks set to become even more enticing. Jacopo Dettoni reports.

The Midlands Engine is a partnership between government entities and local enterprises in the Midlands region of the UK, created in 2015 to drive economic growth across the region. Courtney Fingar visited the group’s pavilion at the Mipim property fair in March and spoke to chairman Sir John Peace. 

After a bumper FDI year, the city of Belfast was out in force at this year’s Mipim real estate conference in Cannes. Cathy Mullan went along to see what the Northern Irish capital was doing to put itself on the map.

The West Midlands is gearing up for a new industrial revolution as the labour market picks up and the HS2 rail project gathers steam. Jacopo Dettoni reports.

More than six months after the Brexit referendum, the precise conditions under which the UK will leave the EU remain unknown. This has not deterred France from going after new business opportunities, however, and investment agencies around the country are working on plans to attract more UK-based companies. Cecile Sourbes reports.