Patrons welcome British Chambers boss on board

The boss of the British Chambers of Commerce received a glimpse of key developments that are transforming Greater Birmingham during a visit to the region.

Director general Shevaun Haviland met several Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce patrons to learn about the impact major transport and infrastructure projects are having on the area.

The transport-themed visit began at Curzon Street, where Ms Haviland met representatives from HS2 and contractor Balfour Beaty VINCI at the site on which the new HS2 station will be built.

She then addressed business leaders at a GBCC patrons lunch, hosted at the Colmore Row offices of law firm Mills & Reeve.

Ms Haviland 's final stop was at National Express ' Digbeth headquarters where CEO Tom Stables and managing director David Bradford discussed the transport operator 's investments in electric and hydrogen buses.

She said: “Thank you to Henrietta [Brealey, CEO], Raj [Kandola, head of policy] and the whole team at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce for a brilliant visit this week.

“It was great to have the opportunity to see the HS2 build in person at Curzon Street where the first piers are going up.

“Thank you also to all at Mills & Reeve for their Patrons Lunch where I got to hear from members on topics ranging from skills to R&D.

“A trip to National Express to see their new Electric and Hydrogen bus fleets topped off the day. The buses are transforming road transport in the West Midlands - and I even got a quick driving lesson! ”

Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of the GBCC, said: “Just as Chambers of Commerce represent and connect their local business communities, the British Chambers of Commerce represents the Chamber network. They are our voice into Westminster and national government decision making.

“It was a pleasure to show Shevaun key developments and innovations that are transforming the city-region and provide an opportunity for our patrons to share insights on the opportunities and challenges of the day. ”

Pictured: Shevaun Haviland and Henrietta Brealey visit National Express ' headquarters in Digbeth