Comprising nine local authorities across the west midlands, the Greater Birmingham & Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP) area is at the heart of the country and is one of its economic heavyweights. The region is experiencing strong growth and investment, from Levelling Up funds to HS2 to international companies taking advantage of great connectivity to the rest of the country.

GBSLEP commissioned PRD and We Made That to review workspace supply and demand throughout the LEP area, with a view to understanding gaps in the market. In particular, the study is attempting to uncover areas throughout the region where workspace demand is outpacing supply and which specific workspace typologies (e.g. manufacturing space, lab space, kitchens, offices) are most in need. Our team’s approach includes desk research on workspace throughout the region, market and sector analysis, and interviews with local authorities, workspace operators, and other stakeholders or property experts.

The work will result in two major outputs. First, a map of workspace across the region showing workspace typologies and other information will give potential tenants, operators, local authorities, and developers a new resource to aid in business and policy decisions. It will also help determine spatial gaps in workspace provision.

Second, a report with findings about what types of workspace are needed and where, analysis on the value and benefits of workspace for towns and cities, and bespoke recommendations will give the LEP and local authorities a starting point for making the case for and directing investment towards workspace.