Report

All cylinders

Think tank: Centre for Cities

Author(s): Matthew Coombes

May 9, 2023

This report from UK think tank the Centre for Cities looks at why the urban economies essential for driving growth are underperforming.

This report shows that the Midlands Engine plays a large role in the UK economy, however its economy is £18 billion per year smaller than it should be. Accounting for 89 per cent of this output gap, its cities, and in particular city centres, are not attracting enough high-skilled service export firms to increase productivity across the region. Policy must address the barriers to growth if the Midlands Engine is going to generate prosperity locally and make a larger contribution to the national economy.