WATCH: Mayoral candidates make jobs and export pledges
Conservative and Labour mayoral candidates last night pledged to create thousands more jobs and guarantee export support services offered by Chambers of Commerce, writes Jessica Brookes.
Andy Street, incumbent mayor of the West Midlands and Conservative party candidate, and Liam Byrne, currently Hodge Hill MP and Labour party candidate, were grilled by business leaders on why they should be elected as the next mayor of the West Midlands.
The virtual hustings event was hosted by Greater Birmingham Chambers, Black Country Chamber and Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber.
During the event, Mr Street said that a number of themes in the three Chambers manifesto, Rebounding for Business, were reflected in his own manifesto, including how the mayor 's office should work together with the business community to help influence decision making and why economic revival is an “overriding priority ” for the region.
In his manifesto, Mr Street has pledged to create 100,000 jobs in two years if re-elected.
Mr Byrne said that the Chambers in the West Midlands were the “best Chambers in the country by far ”, and applauded their collaboration and creativity.
He said that the Chambers ' own manifesto had helped shape his own manifesto. My Byrne said that in his manifesto, he has pledged to guarantee a decade-long contract for export support services offered by Chambers of Commerce.
Event sponsors Aston University, Crowe UK and Intercity also questioned candidates on a number of issues.
Mark Smith, executive director of business engagement at Aston University quizzed candidates on how they envisage the higher education sector playing its part in levelling up the region.
Intercity Technology 's group managing director Charlie Blakemore asked candidates how will they promote local SMEs and support new job opportunities for the next generation.
Managing partner for Midlands and South West at Crowe UK, Johnathan Dudley, queried how candidates may help small firms access business support and capital for strategic investment if they were elected.
In his message to the business community, Mr Street commented that business is a force for good and the “the ultimate vehicle of social mobility ”, and said that he would use his business-like approach to win more funding, support and confidence from government if re-elected.
My Byrne, in his message to the business community, said that now is a “moment of history ” for the West Midlands, and commented that the West Midlands can lead green Britain, bring back industry, build more homes, protect safety, back young people and champion community spirit as long as the region pulls together.
Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “The West Midlands Mayor is a critical role, both on rallying the region to economic recovery and leading negotiation and engagement with Westminster.
“This digital event is part of a range of activity that the Chamber are undertaking with our partners to both influence candidates on the key issues for businesses and inform our members about the views and priorities of those in the running.
“Whichever candidate has your support, if you live in Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall or Wolverhampton remember to use your vote on the 6 May. ”
For messages to the business community from all declared candidates read the latest edition of ChamberLink magazine here
After the April edition of ChamberLink went to print, Ashvir Sangha declared he would be withdrawing his candidacy.
The GBCC are partnering with Centre for Cities on a formal Economy Hustings on the 22 April, find out more here
The West Midlands mayoral election takes place on 6 May.
Pictured: Chamber chief executive Henrietta Brealey (top left) hosts the debate with Liam Byrne (right) and Andy Street (bottom)