Pictured above: Barrie Williams, Chairman of Business Voice WM.

Business is to get a leading role in influencing Government policy and spending in the region, it has been confirmed.

Barrie Williams, chairman of Business Voice WM, the united voice of business in the West Midlands, has been given a place on the Shadow Joint Strategy and Investment Board - the new organisation that will bring together council leaders and regional development agency Advantage West Midlands.

The JSIB will make the key decisions on economic development and regional planning from April 2010 after the abolition of the West Midlands Regional Assembly.

It will also have a place at the table affecting the skills agenda and regional funding allocations - how Government money coming to the region is spent.

For the moment the JSIB is in existence as a 'shadow' organisation but from next spring will be the major link with Westminster.

Mr Williams' appointment came at the invitation of AWM and the councils-operated West Midlands Leaders Board.

It follows the recent establishment of Business Voice WM, which pulls together the views of all the major business organisations in the region including the CBI, Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, the Institute of Directors and scores of other individual lobbying groups, and replacing West Midlands Business Council.

Speaking as one voice was a prerequisite for business obtaining JSIB membership.

Mr Williams said: "It is a privilege to be asked to take up a seat on the JSIB.

"It is absolutely right that business should have a say alongside the regional development agency and councils in lobbying Government and determining outcomes as they are interpreted at the grass roots.

"Business Voice WM has come into existence to fight the cause of all business, industry and commerce across the region, in both urban and rural communities.

"The JSIB is the new conduit between Government and the region and this fresh beginning offers a fantastic opportunity.

"We must work together with Government to explain and lobby for the West Midlands' strategic needs, be it in relation to transport, skills, entrepreneurialism or other challenges. We must spend the money which comes into the region from Government as wisely and economically productively as possible. And we need to suggest where Government policy can be adjusted to better meet the unique elements which differentiate the West Midlands from other regions - the importance of manufacturing being one example.

"Business Voice WM will be looking to work with AWM, councillors and the Government in taking the region forward and creating a visionary new future. We will argue forcefully for business interests.

"It is vital that we renew efforts to make a difference where the region still has much to do - skills, transport congestion, small firm creation and regeneration. And it is vital we make the most of areas where we do have particular expertise in terms of innovation and technological advances.

"Our aim is to make a difference."

Mr Williams is a former chief executive of Walsall-based Chamberlin & Hill.