Ian Courts became a Solihull Councillor in 2003, Leader in 2019 and has had responsibility for Economic Development for many years, including the UK Central brand. A member of the West Midlands Combined Authority, he has responsibility for Environment, Energy and HS2; Director and Environmental Champion for the GBSLEP.

Ian studied law at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, joined the John Laing Group, initially as a solicitor, then went into business, development and management, until retirement in 2004, following 30 years’ service. For several years Ian was a part-time lecturer / Visiting Fellow at Reading University and has particular interests in planning, climate change, environment and ecology.