Half of firms ‘unaware’ of May mayoral election Chambers team up to offer manifesto for Midland business
Council leader hails commitment to invest in smaller firms
ALMOST half of businesses in the West Midlands are unaware there is a mayoral election taking place on May 4, a survey has revealed.
This is despite the first ever West Midlands mayor being handed responsibility for driving economic growth, creating jobs and ensuring the workforce has the right skills to meet business demands.
The findings were revealed by a poll of more than 500 businesses carried by the region’s three chambers of commerce.
It revealed 59 per cent of firms felt they were not well enough informed about the vote while 49 per cent were not even aware of it.
Now the leaders of the Greater Birmingham, Black Country and Coventry & Warwickshire chambers of commerce have teamed up to create a mayoral manifesto for business based on further responses to the survey. It said priorities for businesses were developing world-class transport, attracting major global investors and fighting for a better deal from government.
Candidates from six political parties are battling to become the West Midlands mayor on May 4, taking responsibility – through the West Midlands Combined Authority – for housing, transport, economic growth and skills and a £36 million a year budget.
The chambers’ manifesto, called Business Priorities 2017: Vision for a West Midlands Mayor, sets out several priorities:
Making the West Midlands the best possible place to do business;
Providing vision, leadership and promotion;
Developing world-class transport infrastructure;
Ensuring a skills ecosystem fit for the future;
Fostering a greater place to live, work and visit ; Leading the region through Brexit. Greater Birmingham chamber chief executive Paul Faulkner said: “I am delighted to be working with our fellow chambers on this united vision for business.
“While our region, and our region’s businesses, are admirably diverse, there are strong shared needs and objectives common to all.
“This document sets out clearly and concisely the key areas which we want to see the successful West Midlands Mayor deliver on.
“Combined, the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, Black Country Chamber of Commerce and Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce have over 5,000 members and have been in business, for business, for over 200 years.
“The West Midlands Mayor elections represent a historic opportunity for the region. We look forward to continuing using this document to promote pro-business policies with the candidates.
“We will also be working hard to raise awareness of the elections amongst the business community. These elections are an opportunity for every eligible voter to shape the region’s future.”
The Business Priorities 2017: Vision for a West Midlands Mayor document is at www.greaterbirminghamchamber.com. Click on research and campaigning.
THE ‘Midlands Engine’ investment strategy announced in last week’s Budget is a huge vote of confidence in Birmingham, according to the council leader.
Councillor John Clancy particularly welcomed funding for a £10 million extension to the city’s renowned Symphony Hall and also backed calls for the Government’s art collection to be moved to Birmingham as a major new tourist attraction.
Chancellor Philip Hammond last week unveiled a £392 million funding package for the region.
The money could offer a huge business and economic boost for the wider region from Lincolnshire in the east to the Welsh borders via Birmingham and the West Midlands.
Labour leader Clancy, who is also economy lead on the West Midlands Combined Authority, said: “There’s been a lot of talk about the Midlands Engine, and we are now finally being given some details which on the face of it seem to be a big vote of confidence in Birmingham.
“This is a creative city and a creative region, so I particularly welcome the Midlands Engine Investment Fund and the commitment to make sure small and medium-sized businesses are at the heart of our drive to create inclusive economic growth.
“Expanding Symphony Hall and bringing the Government art collection to Birmingham will further enhance this city’s reputation as a significant tourist destination and one of the country’s leading arts and cultural attractions.
“If the Midlands Engine is to succeed in closing the skills gap, generating jobs and inclusive economic growth, and creating the wealth to drive the economy forward, then Birmingham in particular must take a lead in battling for investment in a post-Brexit world.” He added: “I’m determined to sell Birmingham on the world stage. I visited China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore last year, I was in Qatar in January, and it is clear to me that not only do foreign investors have the money, they want to do business in Birmingham. “At the end of this month the International Convention Centre will stage the Qatar-UK Business and Investment Forum, the first time this prestigious event will have been held outside of London. “This is an indication of serious intent from potential investors who see in Birmingham and the West Midlands tremendous opportunities to deliver our ambitious housing and regeneration schemes.”