Year-long Transport Innovation Showcase will celebrate the region's offer

Coventry City Council and its strategic partners are inviting regional transport innovators to take part in a year-long programme of activities designed to showcase the latest developments in transport and technology the city and region has to offer.

Coventry City Council has partnered with Coventry City of Culture Trust, Culture Coventry, Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, Coventry University, Moto Fest, Transport for West Midlands, Warwickshire County Council and WMG at the University of Warwick to invite local organisations to take part in the programme which is being called the Transport Innovation Showcase.

The showcase will feature a wide range of activities throughout its run from targeted demonstrations of technology at key locations across our city and region to digital presentations that will be available worldwide. At the heart of the programme will be a dynamic and interactive exhibition that depicts the future of transport innovation and technology in the region.

The programme of activities, which will run from the middle of 2021 to the middle of 2022, will be an opportunity for the region’s transport innovators to take advantage of the increased attention that UK City of Culture 2021 and 2022 Commonwealth Games will bring to the region and to introduce their products to a global audience.

The showcase will enhance Coventry and Warwickshire’s increasing reputation as the heart of the UK’s green transport sector and will show how many of the city’s renowned manufacturers are shaping the sector’s future. In the spirit of shaping the sector’s future, the Council and its partners will be working with the businesses involved in the programme to develop opportunities for children and young people within the region.

Cllr Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs and Regeneration and CWLEP Board Member, said: “Here in Coventry and Warwickshire we have long been at the heart of the UK’s transport industry and currently we’re leading the charge in the green transport industry too, with pioneering projects such as Coventry Very Light Rail being built here.

“With our year as City of Culture in 2021 and the Commonwealth Games in 2022 bringing more attention to our region, it’s only right that we use the opportunity to show the tremendous talent we have here. We know many of our local businesses and manufacturers are at the cutting edge of their fields but it’s time to make sure the rest of the world knows too.

“We also want to inspire the next generation of school children and young people to believe that they could have an exciting future in this growing sector so we will focus on schools too.

“We are leading the green industrial revolution here in Coventry and Warwickshire so, I encourage any local business to get in touch with us so we can help promote the fantastic work you’re doing. We ask any local companies who are interested in this opportunity to contact us and we will discuss how best to feature your products and businesses in the showcase."

For further details, please email Helene.Toogood@Coventry.gov.uk