The West Midlands, cradle of the industrial revolution, aspires to be a powerhouse in some of the big sectors of 21st century commerce: Defence; health; technology; sports; entertainment. Among those already drawn to Birmingham is the US billionaire Tom Wagner, who owns Birmingham City football club. Wagner has said that Parker and the West Midlands Growth Company ‘made it easy for him’ to invest in the city. Neil Rami, the West Midlands Growth Company boss, says the clue to attracting inward investment for firms is ‘providing the softest landing’. However, if Andy Burnham is serious about delivering his mission, other cities such as Birmingham must not miss out.