David Smeeton, Partner and Head of Cushman & Wakefield’s Birmingham Investment team comments on the Metro Mayor result for the West Midlands:
“The outcome of the Mayoral Election was always going to be a close run affair with the polls indicating little between the two principal candidates. However, few thought that Andy Street could actually pull off a victory here and his win is hugely significant for the region going forward. As stated by the Centre For Cities, the Mayor will need a “vision for the city region with clear strategic decisions to meet it.” Andy’s manifesto has clear aims and objectives which perhaps will be achievable over a period of his three year term. However, in the short term he needs quick wins. Transport is key. Moving everybody and everything we produce more efficiently has to be improved as our regional economy continues to grow. Andy’s close links to the Prime Minister will make him our voice both nationally and internationally and he has to hit the skills agenda hard forging improved links between businesses, schools, universities and all the other higher education facilities.”
