Pictured above: Business Voice WM chairman Barrie
Williams
The business community has called for a regional plan to create
jobs across the West Midlands.
Business Voice WM chairman Barrie Williams has written to
Business Secretary Vince Cable and Local Government Secretary Eric
Pickles urging them to keep a regional economic development
structure in place. The same call has gone to local MPs.
"The Government is currently deciding whether or not regional
development agency Advantage West Midlands (AWM) - is required,"
said Mr Williams.
"We believe some form of regional economic development structure
- whether it is the present RDA or an alternative - is necessary to
lead and coordinate the renewal of manufacturing utilising the
close links with business that exist across the West Midlands
region."
Such a structure should:
• Work with business to stimulate demand and so create
jobs.
• Diversify the regional economy and strengthen supply
chains.
• Ensure more businesses can take commercial advantage of
the growing global market.
Mr Williams continued: "Over recent years the West Midlands has
been hit by the closure of MG Rover in Birmingham, Peugeot in
Coventry, ceramics factories in north Staffordshire and other
downsizing that has occurred.
"Despite that, the West Midlands business community has proven
resilient. This strength has been helped significantly by the
support and investment of Advantage West Midlands.
"While AWM may not be perfect, we believe in reform rather than
abolition. A regional economic development structure that works
positively with local government can deliver what the people and
businesses want to see - jobs."