Business Voice WM has announced its backing for Birmingham's bid
to be the UK's City of Culture for 2013.
It says the West Midlands has been so hard hit in the recession
that it badly needs such a boost.
BVWM chairman Barrie Williams said: "On the merits alone, there
is no doubt that Birmingham is best placed to be the UK Capital of
Culture.
"The city hosts the world's largest Pre-Raphaelite art
collection and is a global leader in holding historical artefacts
that relate to the start of the Industrial Revolution. In addition,
Birmingham has a renowned Shakespeare collection.
"But it is not just Birmingham's cultural heritage that merits
the city winning the bid. The Birmingham Royal Ballet and the City
of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra are admired beyond our shores. The
city is home to talent in other cultural areas. For instance, the
majority of Punjabi music is produced in Birmingham, Birmingham's
Jewellery Quarter is admired across Europe and, of course, the city
is known as the home of Black Sabbath.
"From an economic perspective, winning this bid is critical for
business and for jobs.
"Regrettably, the West Midlands has been the worst hit region of
any part of the UK from this economic downturn. So winning the bid
would not just help the cultural life of the city - it would boost
the economic lifeblood of the region.
"Event management, professional services, hospitality, security
and many other sectors would be enhanced, with the creation of jobs
in Birmingham and the wider area."
The outcome of the competition, which initially attracted
interest from 29 cities and local areas, is due to be announced
this spring.