Keir Starmer visits Birmingham business leaders
Business leaders had the chance to put their views to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer in an exclusive event organised by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.
The leader of the opposition held productive talks with representatives from a variety of sectors during a visit to the Tyseley-based Birmingham Energy Innovation Centre, which is part of the University of Birmingham.
During an hour-long discussion chaired by GBCC president Deb Leary, Sir Keir invited business leaders from across Greater Birmingham to share some of the challenges facing their firms, as well as future opportunities for growth.
The cost of doing business, the impact of current conditions on SMEs, skills, innovation and opportunities in green energy featured high on the agenda.
Sir Keir was accompanied by Seema Malhotra MP, shadow minister to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).
Business leaders participating in the discussion included GBCC vice-president Nasir Awan (CEO, Awan Marketing), Aftab Chughtai (senior managing partner, Aftabs), Ann Tonks (director, Chapter restaurant), Erica Love (director Culture Central), Andy Dawson (co-founder and director, Curium Solutions), Charlie Blakemore (group managing director, Intercity Technology Ltd), Ruth Pipkin managing director, Rewired), Mike Owens (managing director, Schumacher Packaging), Anne-Marie Simpson (business owner, Simpson 's Gin Bar), Tony Elvin (general manager, Touchwood Solihull) and Naeem Arif (director, United Carpets).
On Tuesday, Chamber President Deb Leary also hosted a visit to the Chamber from Victoria Prentis MP, Minister of State at the Department for Work and Pensions. They were joined by Ben Gabbitas, Head of Recruitment and Onboarding, Frasers Hospitality EMEA and Head of Recruitment - UK for Hotel Du Vin and Malmaison.
This meeting discussed skills shortages and unemployment in the region, and how Government and DWP can most effectively work with businesses to support those out of work into meaningful employment.
Deb Leary said: “We are extremely grateful to Sir Keir for giving his time to talk to our members.
“It is essential that businesses are able to share their views and challenges with politicians from all sides.
“We will continue to ensure our member businesses have these opportunities in order to help shape the path to economic growth, not just in this region but at a national level. ”