2009-02-13 15:47:58
Regional attitudes
Located at the centre of England, the West Midlands Region comprises the counties of Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, Staffordshire and Warwickshire and the boroughs of Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton. Each area has its own distinctive landmarks and personality and each offers something different. From the vibrancy of Birmingham, the UK's second largest city, to historic market towns and picturesque rural areas such as the Cotswolds.
The government office for the West Midlands describes the region as follows:
"Despite a recent decline, manufacturing remains an important element in the economy, accounting for 20.4% of all regional employment. The service sector has expanded, increasing to over 250,000 jobs, and now represents 70% of the region’s employment. The West Midlands is a major exporting region, accounting for approximately 8% of the national total by value. It has also proved successful in attracting foreign direct investment –nearly 2,000 overseas companies set up facilities here, with the main centres being Birmingham, Coventry and Telfor
"Despite a recent decline, manufacturing remains an important element in the economy, accounting for 20.4% of all regional employment. The service sector has expanded, increasing to over 250,000 jobs, and now represents 70% of the region’s employment. The West Midlands is a major exporting region, accounting for approximately 8% of the national total by value. It has also proved successful in attracting foreign direct investment –nearly 2,000 overseas companies set up facilities here, with the main centres being Birmingham, Coventry and Telfor
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