‘A powerhouse of industry and innovation’ – PM’s message to Greater Birmingham businesses

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hailed the West Midlands as “a powerhouse of industry and innovation” in a special message to nominees and guests at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s awards dinner.

In a video message played to more than 1,000 attendees at the ICC in Birmingham last night, Mr Sunak praised the region’s businesses for their “ability to adapt and innovate.”

He said: “I'm delighted to congratulate all tonight's nominees for the tremendous contribution you make across the West Midlands.

“From Solihull to Tamworth to Lichfield, Cannock Chase to Burton, Birmingham to Sutton Coldfield, the West Midlands has long been a powerhouse of industry and innovation.

“Your ability to adapt and innovate speaks not only to the resilience of the local economy, but to that of its people.

“I want to thank Andy Street for his unrelenting championing of the region. Andy's continuous campaigning for the West Midlands is nothing short of inspirational.

“I'm pleased the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce is represented well by one of your former presidents, Saqib Bhatti, the Minister for Tech and the Digital Economy and MP for Meriden.

“Saqib is a great asset to the business community, both locally and nationally. I wish you all well and thank you for everything that you do.”