3 minute read
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is the first of its kind between NPL and a Combined Authority. It will give local businesses access to world-class scientific expertise and cutting-edge measurement technologies.
Through this collaboration, businesses across the West Midlands - from global manufacturers to emerging start-ups - will gain access to the world leading measurement expertise needed to innovate confidently, compete globally, and grow sustainably.
This agreement supports the ambitions of the West Midlands Growth Plan, which aims to create jobs and raise living standards by unlocking opportunities, attracting greater investment and improving productivity.
And it comes ahead of the Government’s Regional Investment Summit in Birmingham, where WMCA will showcase major opportunities to global investors.
The MoU outlines a programme of joint activity, including collaboration on research and development and joint funding bids to key organisations like Horizon Europe and UKRI beyond helping to realise WMCA’s ambition the partnership supports the wider growth priorities outlined Invest 2035: the UK’s modern industrial strategy.
There will also be added support for businesses through skills development, demonstrator projects and business support programmes such as Measurement for Business (M4B).
The partnership will focus on strategic collaboration themes such as:
Health and MedTech
Advanced Manufacturing, Digital Engineering, Robotics and Autonomous Systems
Defence and Security
Advanced Connectivity Technologies
Frontier Technologies: Quantum Technologies, AI and Data Science
Over the next six months, WMCA will support NPL’s engagement with regional SMEs and cluster leadership groups, convene workshops to build groups in priority sectors, and promote opportunities for collaboration.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Our region has a proud history of industrial ingenuity and a growing reputation as a hub for cutting-edge innovation - from advanced manufacturing to quantum technologies. This partnership with NPL will help us build on that legacy and unlock new opportunities for our businesses to grow and create the high-value jobs we need.”
Dr Peter Thompson CBE, CEO of NPL added: “We are looking forward to working with the WMCA to support innovation-led growth and help unlock the full potential of the region’s diverse and dynamic businesses. We already work with over 60 organisations within the region, supporting priority sectors such as health and telecoms through work conducted with organisations such as Xstrahl and Arden Photonics. We are also proud to play a leading role within the thriving tech and cybersecurity landscape via our operation of the UK Telecoms Lab (UKTL) in Solihull.”
09 Oct 2025