Recent research has seen the West Midlands described as 'the UK's employment hotspot' because of the area's receptiveness to employ younger workers. This goes against the general trend that sees most other parts of the UK negative in their outlook to those prospective employees under the age of 25.  

Work recently undertaken by 118 Information, the experts in the collection of business data and owners of the UK's leading business database, adds weight to this 'employment hotspot' theory. 118 Information recently undertook analysis of their new business data that revealed there are more new businesses starting up in the West Midlands than in Greater Manchester. This seems to indicate that aside from having a positive attitude to employment, the West Midlands are clearly also doing something right in terms of the focus on development and growth opportunities in the region.  

Given that the population of these areas are broadly similar, it may be a surprise that from the 118 Information analysis, undertaken over recent months, new businesses are 5 times more likely to set up in the West Midlands than in Greater Manchester.   

When some have questioned Birmingham's status as the second city, this regional perspective on new business start ups will no doubt do much to support the general improved view of the West Midlands.