What you missed at the opening of the West Midlands Business Festival 2026

The West Midlands Business Festival officially opened this morning, and the message was clear from the outset: this is a region with ambition, momentum and growth firmly on the agenda.

Opening the festival on behalf of Mayor Richard Parker, WMCA Interim Chief Executive Ed Cox set the tone for the two weeks ahead, describing the festival as “one of the most exciting moments in our regional business calendar” and celebrating the energy already building across the region.

The festival brings together entrepreneurs, innovators, manufacturers, creatives, investors and educators from across Birmingham, the Black Country, Coventry and Solihull. As Ed put it, this is a festival “designed by businesses, for businesses”, shaped by the people who drive the West Midlands economy every day.

With more than 100 business-led events taking place over the next two weeks, and thousands of free tickets already claimed, the appetite for collaboration, learning and growth is stronger than ever. “The momentum is real, the energy is building, and together we’re shaping a festival and a future without limits,” he told the audience.

Ed also highlighted what truly defines the West Midlands, beyond the headline figures of 450,000 businesses and 2.9 million jobs. This is a region built by people who take risks, roll up their sleeves and keep going through uncertainty. People who value community as much as competition, and who see challenges as opportunities to innovate.

The festival is a living example of collaborative spirit. “It sparks conversations that turn into partnerships and creates opportunities that can reshape industries,” Ed said, encouraging businesses to attend sessions they might not usually choose, connect with someone new and follow up on ideas sparked during the festival.

As the festival opens, the message to businesses is simple: the West Midlands’ potential is huge, ambition is rising, and the future is something we will build together.

There’s still plenty of time to get involved. With events running across the region for the next two weeks, now is the perfect moment to sign up, show up and be part of it.