Newly appointed Permanent Secretary at the Department of Trade and Industry, Sir Brian Bender, chose the West Midlands for his first regional visit. The top civil servant was in Birmingham to discuss key economic and regional matters with West Midlands' regional organisations. In a number of company visits he saw how businesses are looking forward to the challenges and opportunities for the West Midlands in 2006 and beyond.
Sir Brian commented:
"I have been impressed by the way that the companies I have visited are addressing the challenges of globalisation of the world economy. They have impressed on me the importance of central and local government in setting the climate for their competitiveness through, for example better regulation and addressing key issues such as business crime."
Sheila Healy, Acting Regional Director, Government Office for the West Midlands said:
"We are delighted that Sir Brian has been able to see at first hand how our work with stakeholders including Advantage West Midlands, the Chambers of Commerce, local authorities and the Learning and Skills Council bears fruit. Through close cooperation we aim to ensure that both private enterprise and publicly funded organisations receive the significant help and guidance they need to tap into funding streams and exploit investment opportunities.
"Promoting successful business in 2006 will ensure we are best placed to maximise the fantastic future potential offered by, for example, the 2012 Olympics, for the benefit of the region and the economy as a whole."
Sir Brian first visited Angle Ring Co Ltd of Tipton who manufacture and export steel and aluminium building components. He then went to long established Birmingham company The Acme Whistle Co. Ltd. Both are among the firms looking to supply products for the 2012 Olympics.
At the premises of The Acme Whistle Co. Ltd, Simon Topman, MD and President of Birmingham Chamber, speaking after discussions with Sir Brian Bender said:
"It was good to meet Sir Brian in our own environment and to see his clear interest in business at the coalface of the SME. He was clearly aware of the double-edged sword of globalisation, with its threats and opportunities, and determined to ensure that Government creates an environment that enables business to face both.
"I look forward to seeing him again in the region".
On his second day, Sir Brian met with three times Queen's Award winners Delcam plc in Small Heath, who won their 2005 accolade for international sales of their product design and manufacturing software. He also visited Quest Vitamins, a firmly established Midlands Asian owned business that is now actively investing in expansion opportunities in Dubai.
John Edwards, Chief Executive of AWM gave an update on the latest situation regarding MG Rover and redevelopment of the Longbridge site, including the investment in a new production centre there by epm:Technology Group. Already widely recognised as leaders in the automotive composite structure sector, the expansion at Longbridge will give the company a new global manufacturing base without disrupting any of their existing production facilities in the East Midlands.
The new facility at Longbridge is set to become a leading producer of light weight automotive composite body shells, components and structures employing up to 450 people with a workforce of 150 in place by the end of 2006.
