West Midlands secures £1m to continue 5G drive to boost manufacturing and transform social care

The West Midlands has secured additional funding to stay at the forefront of the UK’s digital revolution, using cutting-edge technology to boost manufacturing productivity and transform adult social care.

Led by WM5G on behalf of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and backed by £5million from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), the Advanced Manufacturing and Social Care 5G Innovation Regions projects are driving real-world impact across the region.

In social care, Technology-Enabled Care (TEC) is already benefiting over 350 people across the region by reducing hospital admissions, optimising carer visits, and enabling proactive care through advanced monitoring and predictive analytics.

The extension will support regional and national scaling, expanding TEC to more local authorities, strengthening collaboration with NHS Integrated Care Boards (ICBs).

It will also enable the development of a comprehensive business case, procurement framework, and culture change programmes to support culture change and drive long-term transformation.

In manufacturing, WM5G has deployed a private 5G, sensor, and data solution at JLR’s Solihull plant to enhance efficiency, automation, and connectivity.

This evidence-driven approach strengthens the case for scaling advanced connectivity solutions, aligning with the Government’s digital transformation priorities.

By building a robust evidence base, WM5G and its partners are paving the way for broader adoption across the UK manufacturing sector, moving beyond trials to real-world impact.

The £1 million of funding announced by Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Peter Kyle, during his speech at techuk on Monday, 10 March comes on top of the £4 million already given to the West Midlands as part of the 5GIR project.

Mayor Richard Parker said: “This region has led in innovation for more than two centuries. Now the government is looking to us for cutting-edge solutions to real-world challenges that can improve lives and fire up our economy.

"Our next-generation 5G-powered technologies are already helping hundreds of local people live more independently, driving productivity, and helping businesses grow.

"We have the people, ideas, and tech to modernise public services, attract major investment, and create well-paid jobs. That’s my plan to deliver a new era of prosperity for all our communities."