West Midlands 2012
2/8/11
11:48
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CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
CHAIRMAN’S
MESSAGE GRAHAM BIGGS explains why connectivity between the Chambers is essential to the West Midlands' economic future
W
hen looking back over the last financial year, we have seen a seismic change in the structures that deliver economic development. The new coalition Government has abolished Regional Development Agencies and reconfigured Business Link to a national online support service. We have the newly established Local Enterprise Partnerships, which are starting to formulate their strategies and priorities. These bodies give far greater say to the private sector in how our local economies can create jobs. The six West Midlands Chambers have the local infrastructure to support these new bodies, like no other business representative organisation. It is the Chamber movement that has the ability to represent business interests across a range of sectors, from the sole trader to multinational corporate across the whole geography of the West Midlands. This is what makes the Chambers unique and vital to the economy of the communities we serve. The economic climate still remains tough and challenging; as the recovery remains sluggish. Without the previous level of public sector business support it is in these times that businesses are turning to their local Chamber of Commerce. Chambers need to be innovative and responsive to the needs of local businesses and use local private sector expertise to achieve results. The six Chambers regularly meet with Government ministers, shadow ministers, our region’s MEPs, and senior officials from
the Treasury, Bank of England and public sector bodies. Each local Chamber is represented on local partnerships and carries out dialogue with local MPs and leading councillors. When looking forward we have many challenges to bring about prosperity to our communities; we must continue to lobby for key infrastructure developments to create the right environment for business to grow. If we wish to keep pace with the emerging economies we must invest in High Speed Rail and Super Fast Broadband, as connectivity is key to this region’s future. We have no option but to invest. We call on the Government to deliver reform to the education system to deliver demand lead skills and training to create a workforce which is fit for the needs of the 21st Century. This is particularly an issue for the region’s young people, who have been increasingly affected by the recession. Within the Chamber movement we have presidents, vice-presidents, board members and members with a huge depth and breadth of knowledge. Within West Midlands Chambers these resources will be fully engaged like never before. By working with all our partners to support local entrepreneurs, utilising the support to trade overseas and having a powerful voice through the network of Chambers we will grow our local businesses and create wealth.
Graham Biggs President, Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce and managing partner, the naked creative
THE WEST MIDLANDS CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE
Directory 2011/2012
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