BBC network production spend in the West Midlands is set to almost double in the next two years.
Annual investment will rise from £24m to £40m by the end of 2027 under a new memorandum of understanding the corporation has signed with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and Create Central.
The BBC will also offer more apprenticeships and traineeships in the region and more opportunities for West Midlands producers to meet commissioners.
Meanwhile, WMCA will invest at least £5m per year in infrastructure up to March 2028, including a £2m-a-year production fund, investment in production spaces and original IP, and further development of the Skills Accelerator programme.
The investment is the BBC’s biggest commitment to the region in a decade and comes four years after a previous agreement between the West Midlands partners.
That led to the BBC relocating its West Midlands HQ, and production of MasterChef and Silent Witness, to the Tea Factory in Digbeth.
The existing investment has been calculated to add £282m to the region by 2031, a figure set to rise following the latest agreement.
The BBC employs 600 people in the region and producers including Banijay Group, Spun Gold TV, Full Fat and Clear Cut have increased their presence in the area in recent years.
Alongside the MOU, the BBC announced two new daytime crime dramas that will be produced in the West Midlands: Mill Bay Media’s The Hairdresser Mysteries and BBC Studios Drama Productions’ The Detection Club.
Both are funded by reinvesting the budget of recently-axed daytime drama Doctors.
The Detection Club will be produced at Portland House, BBC Studios Drama Productions' recently-opened regional hub and post facility in Digbeth.
BBC director-general Tim Davie said: “This is another transformative moment for the creative industries in the West Midlands. The MOU will significantly boost investment in skills, opportunity and talent for local people, as well as stories from the region in BBC programmes.
“Our agreement with the WMCA and Create Central deepens our partnership with the West Midlands to secure its place as a world-class centre for film and TV production."
