A LEADING business figure in Coventry and Warwickshire believes engagement with the West Midlands Mayor is crucial for firms in the region – adding that nowhere in the country had better assets to deliver on growth strategies.
Corin Crane, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, was part of a group of business leaders who met the Mayor of the West Midlands Richard Parker at the MTC, Ansty Park, at an event organised by Mary Creagh CBE, MP for Coventry East.
Mr Parker was consulting on his recently published West Midlands Growth Plan. He and Ms Creagh wanted to hear from firms based in Coventry on the issues they are facing and what barriers they have to growth.
Mr Crane said: “As a Chamber, we are completely aligned with the idea that the future plans and long-term strategy for the economy also have to resonate with people in their day-to-day lives. Economic growth has to support social mobility and an improving quality of life for everyone.
“When I look at the Mayor’s strategy and the national government’s trade strategy, I can’t think of a region with better assets than we have in Coventry and Warwickshire in order to drive growth.
“I look at the MTC, our great universities, the likes of HORIBA MIRA, our incredible mix of businesses, our visitor attractions and our fantastic location and I know we have everything we need to make us fit for the economy of the future.”
Mr Parker said businesses in the region needed support to unlock their potential.
He said: “Support from the Chamber and those it represents is crucial to my ambition of building strong, future-facing businesses in communities that have the homes and transport links to enable local people to secure well-paid, rewarding careers close to home.
“If we keep up the momentum behind this plan and build on the progress made since I was elected, then together we will deliver opportunity and prosperity for everyone in Coventry and the wider West Midlands.”
Mary Creagh MP said she was encouraged by the business community’s positive response to regional and national growth plans.
She added: “The West Midlands Growth Plan’s focus on local and regional investment will turbocharge the development of the talent, skills and infrastructure we have.
“It will attract investment from larger firms, create good, well-paid jobs in growth sectors, and provide new opportunities for small businesses in the city.”