New start for the Midlands Engine

YOU may have missed the news a couple of weeks ago that Cabinet minister James Brokenshire has assumed the title Ministerial Champion of the Midlands Engine, taking over the role from Sajid Javid.

It’s hard to say how effective Brokenshire might be in the role, partly because so much is still to come from the Midlands Engine itself. This year Javid has had to answer questions about the Midlands Engine’s progress compared to the Northern Powerhouse, for example.

It’s a shame that this role is just one of many duties for a very busy Cabinet minister. In my view, the Midlands Engine could really benefit from a dedicated lead in government. Surely a more direct injection of vitality into such an important economic region would be worthwhile when the benefits of additional jobs and trade are taken into account?

Although the Midlands Engine has funds to put to work, it can be challenging working out exactly where to direct capital. Under Javid’s tenure, for example, the distribution of a £120 million package of loans and debt financing was delayed for months.

I’ve seen this only too well in my own role, helping to run a business that channels finance to SMEs. Working out which companies and entrepreneurs are the right candidates for funding, while trying to deploy capital prudently and speedily, is a difficult task.

The authorities are getting some things right. I welcomed the appointment last year of Paul Uppal as the UK’s first Small Business Commissioner. Working from Birmingham, Uppal’s remit is to champion the rights of small businesses. The Midlands is building the right kind of infrastructure that really works for business, but there is always more that can be done. Hopefully James Brokenshire can deliver the leadership which will build on the Midlands Engine’s promising start. Greg Carter is CEO of

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