Steve Rigby Contributes to Global Growth Report 2025

Unlocking regional growth
Written By R B

Steve Rigby, co-authored The Global Growth Report 2025 commissioned by the WMCA, which highlights how the West Midlands is powering UK exports and creating opportunities for businesses of every size to thrive on the global stage.

The report, which encourages West Midlands businesses to scale internationally, includes:

  • Export trends and data (2020–2025) across sectors and regions

  • Market insights into the EU, USA, India, China, the Middle East, and beyond

  • Case studies of West Midlands businesses breaking into new markets

  • The role of inward investment and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in driving growth

Steve contributed a case study focused on the proposed US tariffs on automotive exports, which could have cost the West Midlands £6.2 billion, prompting him to lead a regional taskforce to assess the risks and shape policy responses. His leadership produced 22 policy recommendations and a three-part strategy that helped influence negotiations, contributing to a deal that reduced tariffs and safeguarded the region’s economic future.

Read the full report here.

R B
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