Capital of the West Midlands, Birmingham is in direct competition with Manchester for the title of England's second city. The centre of the transformation that was the Industrial Revolution, the city now sustains a large chunk of England's entire manufacturing base. Huge trade shows featuring the newest industrial innovations are held at the city's National Exhibition Centre, where deals are made and lost.

The Bull Ring has been home to the city's markets since the 1200s, and has since evolved into an extremely modern and comprehensive shopping complex the size of 26 football fields. Bournville Village was constructed by George Cadbury, creator of the famous chocolates, at the end of the 19th century as an alternative to the then-squalid living conditions to which most were subjected. Then outside of the city, the land had a canal and access to the railway, and was laid out with attention paid to parks, recreation areas and green spaces. Cadbury World, located in Bournville, is dedicated to showcasing the myriad of products Cadburys has introduced to the world.