The importance of food in business is about much more than a few canapés at a party. Not only does the food and drink industry support almost 7,000 jobs in the city and bring more than £3bn into the local economy, good food and service can create the perfect environment for finalising a deal, making a sales pitch, welcoming contacts from out of town or hosting a gala dinner or awards ceremony.  

Birmingham's culinary credentials are now widely recognised as one the city's greatest assets, with our success in the 2009 Michelin Guide meaning that Birmingham now has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other English city outside London.  When you tell people that, they are genuinely surprised but not at all reluctant to believe it, which says a lot about how far this city has come in the perception stakes.  

Of course Michelin stars are great to have, and some of our chefs have attracted a lot of media attention, but Birmingham also stands out for the range and variety that its bars, cafés and restaurants offer.  There are more than 200 restaurants in the city centre offering food from 27 different countries and there's something to suit every budget and occasion.  

It is this variety that helps to position Birmingham as a desirable location for both business and pleasure.  In Birmingham, perhaps more than anywhere, the two cross over seamlessly.  Much like in Brindleyplace where business and leisure sit alongside and complement each other, people visiting the city for a business meeting, conference, day's shopping, weekend break, concert, or any other reason will develop an impression of Birmingham based on their experience.  Everyone who comes to Birmingham can experience quality food and drink of their choice.   

It is essential that we support these businesses, now more than ever, when independent owners are having to bridge the gap in their turnover, due to corporate and leisure customers having less money to spend.  That's why Taste of Birmingham is such an important event.  Over four days, restaurants, bars and local food and drink producers will have the opportunity to promote themselves to up to 17,000 people.  It's an opportunity for the city to show its support to this vital sector and to show everyone just how strong it is.  

It's also an opportunity for the restaurant sector to connect with the business community.  Birmingham's business people are an essential part of the customer base and Taste of Business will be an excellent way to kick off Taste of Birmingham, as it recognises the importance of that support in enabling the food and drink scene in the city to flourish.  The event is free to attend for all members of the business community and will be the city's biggest networking event.  Working in partnership will help all businesses in Birmingham to ride out this storm.