Business leaders across the Black Country have joined forces to warn that the region is being left behind in the national drive for devolution. They have directed their plea directly at the Prime Minister and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, insisting that the Black Country must not be an afterthought in discussions about regional powers and funding.
The group argues that as the Government negotiates devolution deals with metro mayors and combined authorities, the Black Country’s distinct economic needs are being overshadowed by the scale of its more prominent neighbours, particularly Birmingham and the wider West Midlands. The leaders fear that without a dedicated and visible commitment from Westminster, the region will miss out on the investment it needs to transform its economy.
A clear message to Westminster
The message from the Black Country is simple: “Don’t forget us.” The region, which is home to around 1.1 million people, has long been a centre of manufacturing, engineering and logistics. But its business base is demanding a fair share of the levelling up funding and new policies that are shaping post-pandemic recovery across the UK.
According to those making the case, the Black Country often loses out because its economic challenges are seen as less severe than those of the North of England or other former industrial areas. Yet the leaders point to lower productivity, higher deprivation in certain pockets, and persistent infrastructure gaps that hold the region back.
Andy Burnham in the spotlight
The decision to address Andy Burnham directly is significant. Burnham has become one of the most vocal advocates for devolution in England, frequently pressing the Government to hand more powers and money to the regions. The Black Country leaders see him as an influential ally who could amplify their case, even though he is not their own mayor.
Their call to Burnham is to use his political weight to argue for a comprehensive approach to regional inequality, one that does not focus solely on the North of England or on big cities. They want him to recognise that the Black Country, despite being part of the West Midlands, faces unique challenges that require targeted support from both the Government and local leaders.
Devolution must work for all
The business leaders are not asking for a separate mayor or a new authority. Instead, they are urging that any devolution deal for the West Midlands should explicitly address the needs of the Black Country. They argue that the current arrangements, which lean heavily on Birmingham’s economic weight, do not always translate into benefits for the smaller towns that make up the Black Country.
This includes better transport links within the region, more investment in skills and apprenticeship programmes, and a stronger focus on helping traditional industries adapt to new technologies. The leaders believe that without these specific measures, the Black Country economy will continue to underperform, dragging down the entire West Midlands.
Not too late to act
The tone of the message is urgent but optimistic. The business community believes that the Prime Minister still has time to adjust the Government’s devolution plans to be more inclusive. They are calling for early engagement with local business organisations and a clear timetable for when additional funding will be made available.
There is also a warning: if the Black Country continues to be overlooked, it will become harder to attract new employers and retain skilled workers. That would have knock-on effects for the national economy, given the region’s role in supply chains for automotive, aerospace and food processing industries.
So far, there has been no formal response from Number 10 or Andy Burnham’s office. But the leaders say they will keep pressing the case, making sure that the phrase “don’t forget us” is not just a plea but a rallying cry for action.
