Birmingham: The city that’s driving growth

Birmingham is the UK’s second city and one of the fastest-growing hubs for technology. At its core is a powerful mix of partnerships, investment, and people driving progress for startups and established businesses alike.

“As a region with a tech sector that is heralded as the fastest growing in the UK, our regional leaders and experts play a pivotal part in providing a platform for businesses to innovate, collaborate and grow to unimaginable heights.” – Andy Hague, CEO of TechWM and Birmingham Tech Week

Our own Chris Sharp, Chief Financial Officer at Intercity, recently shared insights into how we’re working alongside the city’s ecosystem to help deliver true innovation building partnerships that strengthen Birmingham’s position as the best place to do business.

Key takeaways

1. Partnerships power progress
   Birmingham thrives on collaboration. The city’s strength lies in how businesses work together sharing ideas, technology, and expertise to develop their people and their potential. These partnerships are fuelling growth across the West Midlands and building a stronger, more connected business community. Take a look at Birmingham Tech Week where over 100 speakers came to discuss tech here in Birmingham.
2. Empowering people, driving growth
   Birmingham’s workforce is evolving fast. With new legislation, digital transformation, and a strong culture of learning, businesses are investing more in their people and seeing that investment returned through innovation and adaptability. It’s a balance that keeps the city competitive, resilient, and ready for the future.
3. Birmingham is now a destination
   Birmingham has firmly stepped into the spotlight a city that proved its capability and spirit to the world during the Commonwealth Games. With world-class businesses, growing infrastructure, and a diverse talent pool, it’s a city where businesses are scaling.

“As a destination it’s a fantastic place to live and work” – Chris Sharp, Chief Finance Officer

Where is Birmingham going to next

Chris Sharp highlighted what needs to happen next to keep momentum strong:

• Raising Birmingham’s profile – showcasing the city’s strengths nationally and globally.
• Improving transport links – connecting people and businesses more efficiently across the region.
• Enhancing business support – ensuring startups and scaleups have the right tools to thrive.

“Ultimately we need to be the best tech region outside of London, if not beating London to enhance our profile” Chris Sharp, Chief Finance Officer

And with the £187 million AI and Cyber Plan for the West Midlands announced at Birmingham Tech Week, the city’s commitment to innovation and digital transformation is clear.

Birmingham’s future is being built today, are you ready to be part of it?

Intercity’s role in developing Birmingham

Once known as Birmingham’s best-kept secret, Intercity has firmly stepped into the spotlight. Today, we’re an active part of the city’s tech ecosystem helping to define what it means to do business in Birmingham and for Birmingham.

From our partnership with Aston University, where we’re advancing AI-driven cybersecurity research, to our ongoing support of LoveBrum, we’re investing in both innovation and inclusion. These collaborations are strengthening the city.

Our commitment is clear: to create growth, develop opportunities for local talent, and help Birmingham realise its full potential as a thriving hub for technology and people.