Why choose Walsall?

Transformation

Walsall is in the early phases of a £1.5 billion programme of investment, from road infrastructure and boosting connectivity, to a town centre masterplan and much more.

In the last 5-10 years we've created 3,600 jobs and 1,721 new homes. We're currently creating a further 1,067 homes, 1,724 jobs, new railway stations and improving junction 10 of the M6.

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Connectivity

Centrally located and connected to the national road and rail networks, the borough is a popular base for companies that need excellent accessibility. This is proven by the fact that Walsall is home to companies such as AF Blakemore, ASSA ABLOY, Poundland, RAC and Homeserve.

By train:

  • 21 minutes to Birmingham New Street
  • 25 minutes to Birmingham International

Walsall will soon be served by a 1hr 40 minute train to London.

By road, there's easy access to J7, J9 and J10 of the M6.

Representation of the transport networks around Walsall

Skills and population

Walsall is the eighth most densely populated of the West Midlands' 30 local authority areas. We have a dynamic and diverse population of 284,100, with a multi-skilled workforce of nearly 106,900 people and a further 20,000 entrepreneurs. 

Investment in adult skills has seen improvements in the population possessing higher skills, with 57,200 people or 36% of the working age population holding a Level 4 or above qualification.  The long-term trend in the borough's employment rate has been one of growth and now stands at 70.2% of the working age population.

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Sector strengths

Walsall is home to many world-leading manufacturing and engineering businesses. From aerospace and automotive, to metals and materials, goods manufactured in the borough are sold around the world. 

The borough’s traditional leathercraft sector remains strong, with increasing international exports to Asia, North America and Europe. 

Walsall’s retail sector is a major local employer, from customer service roles to warehousing and distribution. Our strong foothold in the retail sector is testament to the fact that it remains HQ for businesses such as AF Blakemore, Poundland and One Stop Stores.

Home to a wide range of industry leading businesses, Walsall’s road connectivity and ease of access to Birmingham International Airport makes the borough a hotbed for transport technologies and is home to companies such as DX Group, Trailer Freight International and Haywards Transport.

Find out more about Walsall sector profiles