Dear friends in Higher Education,

On 5th and 6th July, the Centre for the New Midlands is hosting its first ‘ever’ conference, focused on the infrastructure of the West Midlands; how we deliver sustainable and inclusive outcomes for the region. ‘Connections for Prosperity’ will be held at Warwick Conferences, University of Warwick, Coventry and will provide a platform for politicians, policymakers, designers, developers, investors, and academics to engage in constructive dialogue and collaboration, driving positive social, environmental and economic outcomes in the West Midlands enabled by infrastructure. Participants will have the opportunity to share insights and best practice and exchange ideas with industry leaders and experts. There will be panel discussions, debates, presentations, and networking. We’ll be exploring themes including levelling up, skills agenda, health outcomes, devolution, infrastructure planning and financing, net zero carbon, climate change resilience and biodiversity.

Connections for Prosperity will bring together key stakeholders in the West Midlands to discuss the role infrastructure has in the solving the challenges and opportunities facing the region’s people, economy and environment. Many infrastructure conferences are sector-specific. What makes ‘Connections for Prosperity’ different is that we’ll be discussing and debating infrastructure in its broadest sense, including transport, energy, water, digital, social infrastructure, and housing, as well as key enablers including policy, investment, planning, and skills.

We are delighted to announce that Sir John Armitt (Chair, National Infrastructure Commission) and Andy Street CBE (Mayor of the West Midlands) are both confirmed to speak, alongside a number of other key figures to be announced over the coming month.

Thanks to the generous support of AECOM, we are delighted to be able to offer a scholarship to six successful applicants to attend which will include:

· Full access to the Conference Programme (5th and 6th July) including all Breakout Sessions

· Admission to the Conference Drinks Reception and Welcome Dinner, Wednesday 5th July

· Bed and Breakfast accommodation at the conference venue on Wednesday 5th July

· Refreshments and lunch on Thursday 6th July

Applications are now open and will close on Wednesday 24th May at 5pm. The scholarship is open to final year Undergraduates, Masters students and PhD candidates who are studying or are based in the West Midlands region and who are looking to enter a career within infrastructure (Transport, Energy, Water, Housing, Built environment, Digital, Natural systems, Waste/Circular, Skills or Innovation).

Students can apply by visiting our conference website and completing a very simple form – we look forward to welcoming applications from your institution. The application form and further information can be found by visiting hereLink opens in a new window.

With my very best wishes and thank you for your support,

Chris

P.S. Tickets are also on general saleLink opens in a new window….we expect to have c 250 delegates in attendance so make sure you take advantage of our early bird offer which closes on 31st May!