The Midlands offers us a genuine image of strong business with the industrial market reflecting a strong local and national economy.
Of course, the region has the natural advantage of being in the centre of the UK, but it also has sufficient entrepreneurial spirit to develop large warehouse space and specialised logistics facilities. What is also encouraging is that some of the new industrial buildings are being used for manufacturing.
This success of the industrial sector is widespread throughout the region and has brought the space needed in the UK. But it is not the only sector that is strong, because the office market is doing better, though some towns and cities, such as Coventry, are clearly short of prime buildings.
A vital point for the region is that Birmingham has moved up a league as its geographical advantages have become more widely recognised, spurred on by the prospect of the HS2 rail links. Despite the opposition, money is being invested and it is also creating excitement in the city about the prospects for large scale development around the Curzon Street station and for corporate inward investment.
The public sector has helped by providing the funds for the new Metrolink to Solihull and the airport. Confidence is such an important ingredient in the property market so it is worth noting that the spectre of Brexit does not appear to have changed perceptions.