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The Centre for the New Midlands is delighted to host ‘Rent Controls and Raising the Tenant Voice: the answer to building a fairer, more affordable Private Rented Sector?’— a timely discussion exploring some of the most pressing challenges facing renters and policymakers today.

As housing affordability pressures continue to grow, this event will bring together experts, practitioners, and stakeholders to examine the potential role of rent controls and stronger tenant representation in creating a more equitable private rented sector. Through informed debate and evidence-led discussion, participants will consider how policy reforms can balance the needs of tenants, landlords, and communities across the region.

The event is generously sponsored by the West Midlands Combined Authority and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, whose support reflects a shared commitment to tackling housing inequality and improving outcomes for renters.

This event will be held from 09:15-12:30 on Tuesday 7th July at The Banqueting Suite, Birmingham Council House, Birmingham. Breakfast rolls will be served from 09.15, with the event itself commencing promptly at 09.45. The session is due to finish at 11:55, with teas and coffees served after the discussions.

This event is free to attend and is open to the public.  Registration is essential by clicking here

With special thanks to our key sponsors, AtkinsRealis, Unity Trust Bank, West Midlands Housing Association Partnership (WMHAP) and E.ON for making this event for the region possible.

Tickets are available by visiting our booking page

On Wednesday 9th September, the Centre for the New Midlands will be heading to Fogo de Chão (formerly Fazenda) for an invitation only dinner focussed on ‘Capturing the Development, Regeneration and Investment Opportunities Created by HS2’.  We are delighted to be welcoming Huw T. Edwards (Delivery Director – Stations & Placemaking, HS2) as our guest speaker for the evening.

HS2 represents one of the most significant infrastructure investments undertaken in the UK for generations. While the railway itself is a transformative transport project, its lasting legacy will be measured by the economic growth, regeneration, development and investment opportunities it creates for towns, cities and communities across the country.

As construction progresses and plans for future growth take shape, public and private sector leaders are increasingly focused on how to maximise the opportunities arising from enhanced connectivity, new commercial districts, housing delivery, inward investment and the creation of vibrant places where people and businesses can thrive.

This exclusive dinner will bring together senior decision-makers from the development, property, investment, infrastructure, business and public sectors to explore how organisations can position themselves to benefit from the opportunities generated by HS2. The discussion will examine how the project is already acting as a catalyst for regeneration, unlocking development potential and attracting investment into key locations, particularly across the Midlands and wider UK growth corridors.

Our guest speaker, Huw Edwards, will provide unique insights into the current progress of HS2, the long-term vision for the programme, and the role the railway will play in supporting economic growth, place-making and investment over the coming decades.

The evening will offer a valuable opportunity for business leaders, investors, developers, local authorities and professional advisers to gain first-hand perspectives, share ideas, and build connections with those shaping the future of some of the UK’s most significant development and regeneration opportunities.

Through informed discussion and high-level networking, attendees will explore how collaboration between the public and private sectors can help unlock the full economic potential of HS2 and ensure that its benefits are translated into sustainable growth, investment and prosperity for future generations.

Invitations will be sent mid July – if you wish to express an interest in attending, please email events@thenewmidlands.org.uk

(Please note that priority on invitations will be for members of our Reimagining the Region network – if you and your organisation are not yet members, please click here for more information on how to join)

On Wednesday 21st October (5.30pm – 8.30pm) the Centre for the New Midlands, in partnership with Talent Today, will be heading to Birmingham for the next of our roundtable dinners. This invitation only dinner is taking place during Birmingham Tech Week and will welcome Scott Thorpe (Director, Cyber Operations at Barclays) and Tejal Kaur (Fraud And Identity SME, Feedzai) as our guest speakers for the evening.

About the dinner:

AI is transforming how organisations operate, innovate, and compete. At the same time, it is creating new challenges for leaders responsible for managing risk, maintaining trust, and ensuring their organisations can adapt in an increasingly unpredictable environment. Cyber resilience is no longer solely a technology issue—it is a business issue. From AI-enabled cyber threats and fraud to evolving regulatory expectations and growing dependence on digital systems, organisations are being required to make decisions faster and with greater uncertainty than ever before.

Over a 3 course meal at Marco Pierre White’s Steakhouse Bar and Grill, both Scott and Tejal will share insights from the front line of cyber operations and digital trust, exploring what organisations are seeing today, how leaders are responding in practice, and what capabilities businesses need to build to remain resilient in the years ahead. The discussion will focus on the real-world challenges facing organisations across sectors, examining how senior leaders can balance innovation with security, strengthen organisational resilience, and foster a culture that enables growth while protecting customers, employees, and stakeholders.

This event is aimed at CTOs, CIOs and Directors of IT who are based within the Midlands region. Priority invitations will be issued to members of the Centre’s Reimagining the Region network.  Invitations will be sent to partners in August.

Discussion Points:
• How AI is changing the cyber risk landscape and what organisations are experiencing in practice.
• The emerging threats and vulnerabilities leaders should be paying attention to now.
• How organisations are moving beyond prevention to build resilience and adaptability.
• What boards and executive teams are discussing when it comes to cyber risk, AI, and organisational trust.
• Lessons from responding to incidents, disruption, and rapidly evolving threats.
• How organisations can embrace innovation while maintaining security, trust, and accountability.
• The role of leadership in building resilient organisations prepared for uncertainty.
• What the future of cyber resilience means for business strategy, reputation, and competitive advantage.

The evening will commence with a Drinks reception on the Terrace from 5.30pm, with the dinner itself starting promptly at 6.15pm. The event will formally close at 8.30pm, with guests invited to stay for further networking in one of Birmingham’s finest venues.

Invitations will be sent to our partners in August – if you wish to express an interest in attending, please email events@thenewmidlands.org.uk

(Please note that priority on invitations will be for members of our Reimagining the Region network – if you and your organisation are not yet members, please click here for more information on how to join)

We are delighted to invite members of our Reimagining the Region network to Save the Date for our Winter Reception 2026, to be held in The Churchill Room at the Palace of Westminster on Monday 14th December, 6.30pm – 9.30pm.   

This event has been sponsored by Sarah Coombes MP (Member of Parliament for West Bromwich).

If your organisation is not yet a member of our network, please contact Chris Smith (Founder and CEO) via chris@thenewmidlands.org.uk to join.  Annual rates start from £475 + VAT – we look forward to welcoming you.  Should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact chris@thenewmidlands.org.uk