A LEADING industry figure in Coventry and Warwickshire says councillors across the region must do all they can to support local businesses and wider economic growth during times of uncertainty.
Corin Crane, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, paid tribute to those who lost their seats while congratulating those who were successful at the local elections in Coventry and Rugby Borough.
He said businesses needed stable foundations from which to grow amid the changes taking place at a regional level.
He said: “Congratulations to all of the new councillors on our patch. My first message to all of them is that our door is always open at the Chamber if they want to come and talk to us about any issues concerning business and how we can foster economic growth.
“The region is full of proud and passionate businesses and individuals who are all striving to make this a great place to live, work and do business.
“So, it’s vitally important that we tap into that energy for the good of the whole region.”
He encouraged councillors from all parties to engage with the apolitical Chamber, and thanked outgoing councillors for their service to the region.
He added: “We know that these are uncertain times from a global point of view, and the region is set for significant changes too due to Local Government Reorganisation which will see our borough and district councils disappear.
“It’s vitally important that throughout this period businesses get the support they need but, also, that they understand where to go when it comes to decision-making.
“There is also the big question about where and how Warwickshire will fit into the Combined Authority because that is such an important driver for investment and growth.
“From our point of view, we’ll take party politics out of the equation and seek to ensure that we place the interests of local employers at the heart of the conversation as we continue to listen to our members’ views through our Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) and at in-person events.”
Visit https://tinyurl.com/h9t99fkw to take part in the latest QES.
