APPG Launches New Parliamentary Year with Productive Meeting in Westminster
The West Midlands APPG has begun the new parliamentary year with a well-attended meeting in Westminster, bringing together parliamentarians and members of the Group's Expert Advisory Board to discuss key issues affecting the region and set the tone for the year ahead.
The meeting marked an important milestone following months of preparation by the APPG's parliamentary officers, Advisory Board and Secretariat, as the Group begins delivering its programme of work for the coming year.
Changes to the APPG Officer Team
Proceedings began with the election of a new Treasurer following the appointment of Laurence Turner MP as a Government Whip.
The APPG would like to thank Laurence for his hard work and commitment during his time as Treasurer and congratulate him on his new role.
Members also welcomed Manuela Perteghella MP to the APPG's officer team. Her appointment further strengthens the Group's parliamentary leadership as it embarks on another year of engagement with stakeholders from across the West Midlands.
Spotlight on Regional Growth Opportunities
The meeting featured presentations from two organisations working on important initiatives with the potential to support economic growth and investment across the region.
Representatives heard first from Ruth Fleet of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, who provided an update on the Staffordshire Gateway Growth Panel. The presentation outlined the significant economic opportunities associated with the project and explored the progress made since its launch earlier this year.
The discussion highlighted the potential role that strategic development and investment can play in supporting economic growth, job creation and long-term prosperity across the wider West Midlands.
Supporting the Night-Time Economy
The APPG also welcomed Christian Sayer from the West Midlands Combined Authority, who presented on the Mayor's latest initiatives to support and grow the region's night-time economy.
Members heard how the sector continues to play a vital role in the West Midlands economy, supporting employment, cultural activity and local businesses across towns and cities throughout the region.
The presentation prompted a wide-ranging discussion on both the opportunities and challenges facing the sector, and how policymakers can work alongside industry stakeholders to create the conditions for sustainable growth.
Strong Parliamentary Engagement
Both presentations generated lively discussion among attending parliamen
tarians, who engaged enthusiastically with the speakers and explored a variety of issues through questions and discussion.
The breadth of topics covered reflected the APPG's continued commitment to bringing together decision-makers, industry representatives and regional leaders to examine the issues that matter most to the West Midlands.
The meeting was attended by APPG Chair Dave Robertson MP, Vice-Chairs and members of the parliamentary group, alongside representatives from the Expert Advisory Board and regional stakeholders.
The Value of the Expert Advisory Board
The APPG was also pleased to welcome online participation from members of its Expert Advisory Board, representing organisations from across business, higher education, infrastructure, housing, healthcare, transport, culture and the voluntary sector.
The Advisory Board continues to play an important role in informing the APPG's work, providing specialist expertise and helping to ensure that discussions in Parliament are informed by a broad range of regional perspectives and practical experience.
The diversity of organisations represented demonstrates the collaborative approach at the heart of the APPG's work and reflects the breadth of expertise available across the West Midlands.
Looking Ahead
This first meeting of the new parliamentary year has provided strong momentum as the APPG begins delivering its programme of activity.
With workstreams now underway, an expanding Advisory Board and a growing programme of meetings and events planned throughout the year, the APPG is well positioned to continue championing growth, investment and opportunity across the West Midlands.
We would like to thank all parliamentarians, speakers and Advisory Board members who contributed to the discussion and look forward to working together over the coming months to support the region's future success.
