Local businesses are big winners from Birmingham 2022

The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games was worth £870m to the UK economy with 9,000 full time equivalent jobs created, according to a study commissioned by the Government.

The independent interim evaluation report found that the West Midlands economy received a significant boost from the UK’s biggest multi-sport event for a decade.

According to the study, more than half of the positive economic impact generated – some £453.7m – benefited companies and communities across the local region, while almost three quarters of local businesses surveyed said they had secured new investments thanks to Games contracts.

The findings appear to have vindicated a concerted effort to focus on local businesses by the organising committee’s procurement team, which had an initial target of awarding at least two-thirds of Games-related contracts to companies based in the West Midlands.

The total value of the Games, according to the report, is almost £100m greater than the £778m budget set by the UK Government, which has already announced that it will invest over £60m of unspent contingency funding from this core budget in the West Midlands to further enhance the legacy of the Games.

Late last year it was revealed that Alexander Stadium, which was redeveloped ahead of the Games, will host the European Athletics Championships in 2026.

Reflecting on the interim report, Sports Minister Stuart Andrew said: “Birmingham 2022 was tremendously successful in boosting the local economy and bringing people together. This report shows that new jobs and investments are just the beginning of the story, with the Games paving the way for future events in the region.”




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