Reeves pledges “no region will be locked out of investment”

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has pledged that “no region will be locked out of investment” as she spoke about the government’s first-ever Regional Investment Summit, aimed at driving economic growth and job creation across every part of the UK.

Speaking ahead of the summit, which will take place in Birmingham on 21 October, Reeves highlighted the government’s commitment to investing in key regions. “Whilst the economy isn’t broken, for many it feels stuck, which is why I’m determined to attract more investment into every region of the UK so we can build an economy that works for, and rewards, working people.

The summit will bring together global investors, business leaders, regional mayors, and government ministers to showcase opportunities in sectors such as infrastructure, housing, energy, and artificial intelligence. It forms part of the government’s wider Plan for Change and builds on its 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy and Industrial Strategy.

Backed by major companies including Eon, Lloyds, KPMG, HSBC and IBM, the event will be co-hosted by Reeves, Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle, and West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker.

Peter Kyle said the UK has become the world’s most attractive investment destination. "This Summit is a prime opportunity to show investors why Britain is truly the best place to do business," he added.

West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker added that the summit is a chance to “put our regions on the map” and demonstrate that areas like the West Midlands are “brimming with opportunities for investors.”