Birmingham firmly on the global stage - president

I was privileged and absolutely delighted to be asked to deliver the keynote speech at a special “Birmingham Global ” event in Brussels, writes Deb Leary.

It was organised by the West Midlands in Europe Hub and Birmingham International Alliance, of which Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) is a partner along with founding members Aston University, Birmingham City University and Birmingham City Council.

As the first UK city to open an office in Brussels in 1986, Birmingham has been at the heart of Europe for a long time and EU-exit has not reduced our appetite for active engagement and collaboration to support productive relationships in Europe.

The Birmingham Global event was a statement of Birmingham 's and the West Midlands ' intent to support a long-term approach to working with key business, research and innovation partners on a shared vision.

We were able to demonstrate to the audience from Europe and the UK that the West Midlands is open for business, especially post-Brexit, and brought together business leaders and stakeholders to promote collaboration, partnership, international trade and shared values.

I told the audience how passionate I am about my city and my region and particularly so when it comes to business, innovation and the opportunities for international trade.

As a result, when I started my company Forensic Pathways Ltd in 2001 having completed my degree at Birmingham City University, its heartbeat and focus was on creating great partnerships, new technologies and international trade links. That still remains true now after 21 years.

And this is why I wanted to work closely with the Chambers of Commerce - it is that opportunity for collaboration and partnership, both at home and internationally, and why I was so honoured to be chosen to become its president last year.

As a Chamber, we are committed to helping our members embrace the opportunities that exist for international trade.

Utilising networks has been absolutely essential as we 've witnessed the city and the wider region undergo a radical transformation over the past ten years.

We need to use our strategic networks to harness the best of these relationships as we look to fuel an economic recovery - the good news is there are plenty of opportunities on the horizon - the Commonwealth Games and HS2 to name but two.

There are of course shared challenges that we face both home and abroad - the post-pandemic recovery being one of them.

Like Britain, EU member states should be praised for the strong support they provided to many businesses and workers during the crisis.

The question remains how we support those businesses that are facing huge cost pressures as a result of debt accrued during the pandemic, exacerbated by record levels of inflation.

Another huge challenge relates to the net zero agenda. The UK was an integral part of the EU 's climate change architecture both through the Emissions Trading System (ETS) and as an advocate for strong policy action. Both energy markets were closely connected on a physical basis and shared similarities in terms of setting of standards, regulations and financing.

Now outside of the Internal Energy Market and the EU ETS, the UK is having to adjust its decarbonisation plans, establish new energy and climate regimes and institutions, and redesign old ones.

The appalling events in Ukraine have shocked our collective consciousness to its core.

Coordinated efforts to enforce sanctions and introduce export controls have ensured greater protection for Ukraine and ensured that any action taken has had maximum impact so far.

The UK and EU will need to work together in the coming months and years to find new energy sources and solutions to the energy crisis - with innovative methods of storing energy high on the agenda for UK politicians right now.

Ultimately, it 's another example of the ties that bind the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe.

It 's an exciting challenge and one that I 'm sure our fantastic city region and all our international partners have the tools required to bring those opportunities and solutions to life.

Deb Leary is president of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and chief executive of Forensic Pathways

Pictured: Delegates to the conference with keynote speaker Deb Leary seated front centre