Business leaders urge new Council chief to recognise strength of private sector
Business leaders today urged new Birmingham City Council leader John Clancy to recognise the “great strength” of the private sector in the city and work with it to promote “healthy growth”.
Paul Faulkner, chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC), was speaking after Cllr Clancy’s victory last night in a tense contest for the Labour group vote.
He said: “We would like to congratulate Cllr Clancy on his victory. We wish him all the best in continuing to build on Birmingham City Council’s strengths while actively driving improvement where it is needed.
“We are under no illusion that this remains a difficult time for Birmingham City Council, particularly within the current funding environment.
“While times have been challenging for the public sector in Birmingham, our private sector remains strong. Last year the city’s private sector created over 21,000 jobs, the highest of any of the core cities, while public sector employment fell by 10,400 jobs.
“We hope to see Cllr Clancy recognise this great strength and work with businesses to facilitate the healthy growth of our city and communities.
“No message has been louder and clearer over this leadership election than the need for Birmingham City Council to boost its meaningful partnership working.
“The Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce stands ready to help Birmingham City Council engage with the business community. We look forward to meeting and working with Cllr Clancy in the near future.”
