We're hosting our flagship conference in Birmingham - here's why

2022 has been a challenging year for business. Unprecedented global events from the war in Ukraine, skyrocketing energy prices, and the cost-of-living crisis has created a lasting impact on so many of us - companies as well as consumers.?

The only way out of this is for the UK to have a long-term, sustainable plan for growth. One that encourages firms to "Go for Growth" too. This message is at the heart of the CBI's Seize the Moment strategy, supported by our policy work and in our conversations with the government.

On 21 – 22 November, you can find out about the economic growth opportunities we’re championing at our Annual Conference in Birmingham. From hearing how businesses can work with the government, to find the solutions to the challenges, to understanding why getting into green growth can benefit your firm - even in times of crisis. You can learn from your peers how they’re overcoming labour shortages, and how they’re winning through innovation and global trade. And how others are supporting their employees and communities, creating a healthier population, and thriving regions. All tangible avenues to help your business sustain growth through the turbulence.?

Birmingham as a host city

Many of you will know Birmingham as the home of the Bullring, the first ever working steam engine, or the host city of the recent Commonwealth Games. But did you know that, as part of the West Midlands, Birmingham is one of the leading business economies in the UK?

Home to over 40k companies, the city makes up over 19% of all West Midlands firms and 1.5% of all UK businesses.?Conveniently located in the middle of the country, the Birmingham is also incredibly accessible and allows for an under four-hour commute to 90% of the UK!

Green growth: Helping the UK meet its net-zero targets

With plans for further growth on the horizon, to date, Birmingham has already invested in innovative green solutions to help the UK meet its wider net-zero targets. Take Alexander Stadium - the UK’s first carbon-neutral sports station, which has the largest array of solar panels on a public building in the UK. A move that is paving the way for long-term sustainable solutions to climate change.?

The Midlands will also drive benefits for the entire UK on net zero, as the home for much of the automotive supply chain. Especially when the UK is aiming to end all new petrol and diesel cars by 2030. It will have a big role to play if we're to realise our ambitions, of producing 1.6m electric vehicles within the next 20 years.??

On the cusp of decarbonisation and innovation, the city is an ideal location to network and gain valuable insights for your business and tap into the opportunities you need to really “Go for Growth.”

As CBI Midlands Regional Director Richard Blackmore, said

“I’m incredibly excited that the CBI Annual Conference will be welcoming over 600 business leaders from across the UK to the VOX, Birmingham. It is great a statement of intent, supporting the CBI’s Thriving Regions work, that the UK’s highest profile conference will be coming from the heart of the country where businesses from all sizes and sectors are represented.”

Secure your place at the CBI Annual Conference on 21 - 22 November. Click here to register.