Mayor addresses key business challenges during Chamber event

West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker addressed key business challenges faced by local firms during a fireside chat, organised by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.

The event was held at Chamber Patron WSP yesterday, and was hosted by GBCC acting deputy CEO Raj Kandola.

Speaking to an audience of 35 people from various industries including hospitality, retail, and financial services, the mayor placed importance on the ‘everyday economy’ which employs around 60 per cent of people locally.

He also highlighted the West Midlands Growth Plan initiatives and emphasised the importance given to sectors such as manufacturing, health & life sciences, digital tech, creative industries – which the region has a competitive advantage.

Under the growth plan, West Midlands is set to receive 100,000 jobs in fast growing industries, 120,000 homes and major improvements to public transportation during the next 10 years.

Towns and cities and their high streets will also be transformed through a series of major investments including £2.4 billion of improvements to the region’s transport network.

Other major topics that were discussed in the event include skills challenges, transportation, investment zones, and the recent leadership changes of the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Raj Kandola, GBCC acting deputy CEO said: “It was great to catch up and hear about Richard Parker’s plans to drive economic growth and prosperity across our region.

“It’s clear that businesses in Greater Birmingham value the opportunity to engage directly with the Mayor and share their perspectives.

“As a business community, we look forward to hearing the next steps, working in partnership with the Mayor, and playing our part in creating the conditions for even greater business success.”

Pictured from left to right: Raj Kandola, Richard Parker, and Jenni Kirby, client director, Property & Buildings at WSP