Birmingham played an integral role in the Industrial Revolution, and it remains the largest centre for manufacturing and engineering in the whole of the UK. As well as developing projects to advance technology for electric and hybrid vehicles, the city is home to numerous market leaders such as Jaguar Land Rover.

The city also houses the second largest insurance market within Europe, and plays host to over 500 law firms. The construction sector is thriving here, as is the creative industries; there are currently around 50,000 people employed in creative jobs across Birmingham, and 5800 creative enterprises.