Chamber to set out business priorities ahead of mayoral election

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce is to step up its activity around the forthcoming mayoral election to ensure business views and priorities are represented.

On 7 May, voters across Birmingham, Walsall, Sandwell, Dudley, Coventry, Solihull and Wolverhampton will head to the polls to elect the West Midlands mayor.

The mayor also chairs the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

Current mayor Andy Street (Conservative, pictured), Liam Byrne (Labour), Jenny Wilkinson (Liberal Democrats), Steve Cauldwell (Green Party) and Ashvir Sangha and Tim Weller (both Independent) have all declared their candidacy.

As the largest and most influential business group in the region, the GBCC will aim to partner with the main candidates to ensure the views and interests of the business community are clearly reflected in the individual candidates ' policy programmes.

The Chamber will also look to raise awareness of the elections amongst our members

In the run up to election, the GBCC is working closely with the Black Country Chamber of Commerce and Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce to promote a pro-business agenda and encourage voters to exercise their democratic right.

In order to fulfil these objectives, in April, the three Chambers will:

• Partner on a digital event with the main candidates focussing on their priorities and aspirations for the business community
• Support Centre for Cities on hosting an economy hustings with all of the candidates which will focus on the wider socio-economic programmes they will look to implement over their tenure as Mayor if selected

Details for both events will be released in due course.

Raj Kandola said: “Now the election date has been confirmed, the GBCC will be working closely with the candidates to ensure the views of business are clearly absorbed and reflected in the various policy platforms each candidate will offer.

“In the run up to May, it is essential the WM Mayor partners business community in order to understand the real world issues firms in the region are facing right now and the support they need to survive, and ultimately thrive.

“As we look to publish our Manifesto in March, we look forward to championing the needs of the business community whilst encouraging employees and their networks to exercise their democratic right as we emerge from such a turbulent period in our region 's history. ”