New Midlands Engine business forum set up
A new business forum has been set up with the aim of ensuring SMEs have a voice in driving forward the Midlands Engine.
The Midlands Business Forum will bring business groups together with local representatives from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and the Bank of England to discuss economic growth and consider the best way to support business growth across the Midlands.
The group will meet biannually to ensure local business has a voice in the development of the Midlands Engine’s delivery. The inaugural meeting was chaired by EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation and involved the CBI; the Federation of Small Businesses; the Institute of Directors; and the Chambers of Commerce.
Richard Halstead, Midlands region director at EEF, said: “The view of business is an essential part of this debate. Businesses are crucial to the success of the vision of the Midlands Engine to achieve the growth that would increase the Midlands GVA and help create jobs.
“We welcome this opportunity to work with like-minded business groups across the Midlands and with BIS to ensure a great outcome for the Midlands Engine.”
Anna Soubry, Minister for Small Business, Industry & Enterprise added: “It’s great to see the enthusiasm shown by business groups across the region, as their contributions are key to making the Midlands an engine for growth. Ambitious and hardworking businesses are the fuel that powers the Midlands Engine and we are getting behind them so they can create more jobs and opportunities.”
David Frost, interim chair of the Midlands Engine senior steering group said: “I am very pleased to see that the business representative groups have come together to support the development of the Midlands Engine. As a partnership between the private and public sectors that is aimed at driving economic prosperity through productivity improvement, having the views from the Midlands Business Forum will be invaluable asset to the future Midlands Engine Leadership Group. We look forward to working with the Forum as it develops.”
