The ‘Midlands Engine’ is a Government plan to make the Midlands region the UK’s engine of growth. The plan involves 11 Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs), six in the West Midlands and five in the East Midlands, working together to boost productivity, attract inward investment, increase connectivity and build a regional tourism strategy.

The initiative is potentially worth billions to the Midlands’ economy over the next decade. It is supported by a £5m trade and investment package to help promote the region overseas, reach new markets and boost exports.

Any public money invested by the Government should then attract further private sector investment, helping to deliver more growth, exports and jobs. If the region matches the predicted UK growth rate over the next 15 years, it could create 300,000 jobs and boost the national economy by £34bn.

TheBusinessDesk.com in conjunction with EY, an assurance, tax, advisory and transaction advisory services firm, is launching a survey which could help to form the agenda for the initiative going forwards.

They would like to hear from businesses in both the East and West Midlands to gather opinions on how the various bodies involved will collaborate, what the main issues are that they are likely to face, whether the existing infrastructure is capable of meeting requirements, what impact HS2 will play on the overall plan and people’s choice for the important role of mayor.

The survey asks whether enough is being done to develop skills, whether more help should be given to encourage exports and whether the region has a robust and balanced economy.

To complete the survey please visit https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/G6WD6CY.