Advanced Manufacturing
The area has a rich history in manufacturing and engineering and this drives the industry forward. The sector includes a number of sub-sectors ranging from the manufacture of metals and machinery and chemical treatments to tooling, food and drink and the manufacture of furniture and equipment. Manufacturing is not low skilled, there are many emerging jobs in this sector that don’t exist yet!
Key facts
- The Black Country’s Advanced Manufacturing sector contributes £3bn to the UK economy and is forecast to grow by £2.5bn by 2030.
- Employs 67,000 people and has 3,985 businesses operating in the sector.
Caparo Innovation Centre
The centre provides new product development services to UK businesses including technical and commercial screening reviews, intellectual property services and design and prototyping services.
University of Wolverhampton Science Park
There is a broad range of technological and creative disciplines located here, including software development, environmental management, engineering design and consultancy, photography and videography, graphics, website design, water technology, training and education, biocidal coatings, healthcare and business support services.
Engineering and Computer Science Research Centre
Based at the University of Wolverhampton, the centre undertakes research in the areas of aerospace and automotive engineering, rapid manufacturing and prototyping, material science and advanced manufacturing. Wolverhampton and Walsall form the main part of the Midlands’ aerospace cluster.
Professional Services
Administration, business and professional services
This is the second largest employment sector in the Black Country and is set to grow over the next ten years. Over 80,000 people work in the sector in over 9,500 local companies. The Waterfront in Merry Hill is a hub for this type of employment.
Some top companies in the area include:
The Express & Star, which is the biggest selling regional newspaper in the UK, thus offering opportunities in journalism. A & J Mucklow Group (Halesowen) is the largest quoted investment property company in the Midlands. Talbots Law is also a big employer in the region, having offices around the Black Country, Birmingham and Worcestershire. Finally, Charter Court Financial Services employs over 350 people and is headquartered in Wolverhampton. In 2016, it was ranked 10th in the Sunday Times Best 100 companies to work for.