Solihull Solihull Chamber Patrons Privilege Partners


Solihull’s economy is bringing in business


Latest data released show Solihull is a magnet for business investment and jobs, and an area with the fastest growing employment outside London. The 2015 Office of National Statistics


Business Register and Employment Survey (BRES) highlights Solihull’s strong regional position – with overall employment increasing by 16 per cent during the past five years (2010- 15), more than double that recorded in England and the West Midlands.


‘These figures illustrate that we remain a compelling place to locate and grow your business’


Within this overall growth in job numbers,


Solihull has also seen strong growth in private sector, full-time employment – increasing by nearly a third – supported by recent investments including Genting UK’s £150 million Resorts World and Changan’s new powertrain research centre at Birmingham Business Park. In terms of business sectors, Solihull has seen


a 25 per cent increase in employment growth (+3,700) in manufacturing over the last five years, some of which is down to a strong automotive sector and further investment at Jaguar Land Rover’s Lode Lane plant. Other sectors performing well include air


transport - linked to continuous growth in passenger numbers at Birmingham Airport -


and financial, professional and business services, highlighted by Bank of Ireland’s recent move to new offices at Friars Gate for their mortgage services. Emerging sectors in specialist areas such as


scientific research and development, and motion picture, video and television production, both increased by more than two thirds in 2015. Councillor Ian Courts, deputy leader and


cabinet member for managed growth, said: “This is yet more evidence that Solihull is one of the strongest performing economies outside London and it is no surprise we contribute around £5.1 billion to UK GDP. “These figures illustrate that we remain a


compelling place to locate and grow your business, and have a highly skilled labour market from which to recruit from. “With the future potential for UK Central


Solihull and HS2 to deliver even more business opportunities and jobs, Solihull has to ability to continue to grow, as well as playing its part in delivering the West Midlands Combined Authority’s Strategic Economic Plan and the Midlands Engine." Solihull Chamber director Joan Smith said:


“We have set up sector groups in Solihull Chamber to to identify opportunities that may arise in the future, across all sectors. “Working closely with Solihull Council is key


to feeding this back to our members. There will be huge job opportunities in the coming years and the Chamber plays a key part in identifying these with our local community.”


New police chief’s


community spirit Solihull has a new police chief, Bas Javid (pictured), who has lived in the borough for many years. He said: “I am


delighted to have the pleasure of leading Solihull Police, having recently taken over as the local policing unit commander. “My experience in


policing extends across many disciplines, mainly within the fields of operations, local policing and investigations. I previously lived in Solihull for several years and my wider family history involves local business, so I am both humbled and honoured to write a small piece for Chamberlink. “I join Solihull at a time when West Midlands


Police are working hard to improve public and partnership links in order to work in a more integrated way. Austerity has been a significant test for policing and like many businesses, we have had to be creative in learning how to better manage demand, improve our productivity and think creatively about how best to serve our communities. “Across the West Midlands, business crime has


seen an increase of 9.5 per cent when compared to the same period last year. Solihull has seen a five per cent rise, which is the lowest increase across the whole region. “That said, our focus remains on providing the


best possible service by working with business to continue our focus to tackle business crime. I am always open to ideas, so if you have any top tips, I’d be more than pleased to hear from you.”


An opportunity to work with the region


Law firm Sydney Mitchell has become the newest patron of Solihull Chamber. The firm, which has offices at Coventry Road, Sheldon, and Stratford Road, Shirley, as well as Birmingham city centre, has been an active member of the Chamber for many years. Founded in 1763, the firm specialises in


various aspects of corporate, commercial and private law


‘The patronage scheme offers an exclusive opportunity to work with local business leaders’


Today, Sydney Mitchell has more than 100


employees, and in 2006, the firm launched its own estate agents’ business, a venture aimed at making moving home simpler for buyers and sellers alike.


Cementing ties: Div Singh Based in Shirley, the residential property team


handles every aspect of buying and selling houses, for just one fee. Sydney Mitchell senior partner Div Singh said:


“The patronage scheme offers an exclusive opportunity to work with local business leaders across the region. “The Solihull Chamber is a vibrant and


proactive part of the Midlands Chamber group and is committed to providing help and advice to its members. The firm has been pleased to work closely with many other members and their contacts over the years and is looking forward to cementing its ties with local businesses and individuals.” Solihull Chamber director Joan Smith said:


“Sydney Mitchell has been a member of the Chamber for many years and is a strong, forward thinking law firm in the region. We are delighted that they have decided to become patrons.”


December 2016/January 2017 CHAMBERLINK 31


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