We are leading. We are diverse. We are collaborative.
Get to know the people behind GBSLEP, how we’re governed and structured and join the team
The geographical area covered by GBSLEP
The core area of Birmingham and Solihull has a population of 1.3 million and contains many of the economic drivers of the conurbation such as the airport in Solihull, Birmingham city centre, a number of major universities and international meeting places.
Population
1.3m
Key areas
Birmingham, Solihull, Cannock Chase, East Staffordshire, Lichfield, Tamworth, Bromsgrove, Redditch, Wyre Forest
Birmingham is the largest and most populous British city outside of London. It is home to a world-class services sector, and its six universities make it the largest centre of higher education in the country outside London. Birmingham's major cultural institutions enjoy international reputations and the city has vibrant and influential grassroots art, music, literary and culinary scenes.
Population
1.1m
Key areas
Birmingham city centre
With a population of over 200,000, Solihull is the international gateway to the West Midlands, home to Birmingham Airport, the National Exhibition Centre and Jaguar Land Rover – as well as the new High Speed Rail Interchange station. A strong economy, worth around £6.7 billion, the area also claims the fastest growing labour market outside London and has major development and infrastructure plans through the UK Central programme.
Population
209,890
Key areas
Solihull, Chelmsley Wood, Shirley
North Worcestershire comprises three local authority areas to the south of the Birmingham conurbation: Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest. Redditch, Bromsgrove and Wyre Forest (based upon Kidderminster). It has a population of over 275,000 and over 10,000 businesses, and there is an interdependency between the North Worcestershire and the Birmingham & Solihull economies.
Population
278,916
Key areas
Bromsgrove, Redditch, Kidderminster
Southern Staffordshire comprises four local authority areas to the north: Cannock Chase, Lichfield, Tamworth and East Staffordshire (based upon Burton and Uttoxeter). It has a population of 390,000 with considerable numbers commuting to and from Birmingham. There is an area of some 20–40km outside the urban conurbation, which has been identified as an area with significant potential for sustainable, knowledge-based economic growth.
Population
393,417
Key areas
Burton-upon-Trent, Cannock, Lichfield city, Tamworth
Find out how we integrate with other organisations as part of Greater Birmingham’s business landscape.
How it fits together