Business leaders lay out 'sustainable recovery' plan for next Mayor
Business leaders have called on the region's next Mayor to "champion the area’s unique strengths" as it bids to thrive after Covid.
The CBI said the pandemic offered the region the chance to "do things differently" in future to ensure any economic recovery can be sustained for years to come.
Its new West Midlands Revival manifesto said Covid had "exposed the vulnerabilities" in the region's economy, pointing to an unemployment rate 1.5 per cent above the national average and high levels of deprivation.
The group has urged the winner of May's mayoral election to work with businesses to put together a "strong economic vision" for the coming years, that would tackle skills shortages and end health and education inequalities.
Richard Butler, CBI West Midlands director, said: “As we emerge from the pandemic there are opportunities to do things differently, to champion the region’s dynamism on the world stage, to transform digital and physical infrastructure on the race to net zero and to stimulate job creation, securing an inclusive workforce that is fit for the future.
“The region’s diverse sector strengths in automotive, finance, health and creative industries are key to its recovery.
"Alongside world-class universities, further educational institutions and innovative businesses, the West Midlands remains at the cutting edge of technological breakthroughs, digital connectivity and manufacturing advances – leading innovations that will change the way we live, travel and communicate in a post-pandemic future.
“To address the challenges of Covid-19 and to capitalise on future opportunities, it is essential the newly-elected mayor works collaboratively with businesses and stakeholders to champion a strong economic vision for the region.
“The CBI, alongside the wider business community, stands ready to support to ensure the West Midlands can revive and thrive in the future.”
The manifesto calls on the Mayor to establish a pro-business economic vision, with exports and attracting foreign investment as key elements.
It also demands a focus on green recovery and digitisation, as well as a plan to stimulate job creation and address the region's skills shortage.
May's election for West Midlands Mayor will see the incumbent, Conservative Andy Street, take on Jenny Wilkinson for the Lib Dems, Labour's Liam Byrne, Steve Cauldwell for the Green Party, and independent candidates Ashvir Sangha and Tim Weller.
