Where is it?

The West Midlands is at the centre of England & Wales and is a unique region, being the only UK region or country without a coastline. The West Midlands is often thought of as the urban and industrial centre of the UK, but over 80% of the West Midlands is rural.

It is the birthplace of the industrial revolution, the home of Shakespeare and has one of the fastest growing professional services sector in the UK. It is also at the heart of the UK's transport network.

The shire counties of Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire & Worcestershire surround the West Midlands conurbation of Birmingham, the Black Country and Coventry.

Who makes up the West Midlands Policy Unit?

The 3 FSB regions of Shropshire, Herefordshire & Worcestershire, Staffs & W Mids and Warwickshire & Coventry each send in 3 representatives to the West Midlands Policy Unit

David Caro (from Staffs & W Mids) is the Chairman, supported by 2 Vice-chairmen - John Bates and Jeff Hunt (both of Warwickshire & Coventry). The Treasurer is David Dunn (from Staffs & W Mids).

The voting representatives are elected by their respective Regional committees and attend the Policy Unit meetings, which are held every 6 weeks or so.

We also ask members with specialist expertise to become co-opted members of the WMPU.

Other members get involved by taking part in surveys, keeping the Policy Unit abreast of local issues by monitoring local press or through a desire to learn more.

However much or little time you have to give, members' contributions are always welcome.

Statistics 

• 18,016 FSB members (as at end of May 2009)
• 6 MEPs
• 59 MPs

How do I get involved?