Key to the effectiveness of the Black Country Economic Recovery prospectus is the way it links national and regional priorities with action at a local level. It aims to communicate a coherent Black Country narrative in the context of the priorities set by the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Key to shaping the prospectus was a policy awayday involving the Black Country LEP Board and leaders, chief executives and directors of regeneration from the four Black Country Councils. As were a series of interviews with key stakeholders leading up to the awayday.

At the core of the document is a five-point plan linked to a programme of interventions and investments designed to drive economic recovery. The five points are: Back Black Country Business; Deliver Skills for Today and The Future; Nurture Green Growth; Create Vibrant, Safe and Healthy Places; and Mobilise Devolution and Public Service Reform.

Shared Intelligence supported the process by facilitating the conversations and awayday; articulating the policy alignment; and crafting the overall narrative.