Executive Director's Report
December 2007
2007 proved to be the most successful year for the West Midlands Business Council since it became fully operational in 2004. HBOS plc was challenged to save a truck stop near Wolverhampton in order to avoid a rise in truck crime. Firms were warned of a new card scam. Road charging was still being considered for the West Midlands conurbation but plans for its introduction in Shrewsbury were dropped.
2007 Annual Report
The West Midlands Business Council had its most successful year yet in 2007 helping thousands of firms across the West Midlands region, the organisation's latest Annual Report has revealed.
The Business Council brings together 23 mainly business representative organisations to speak with one voice on the key business issues across the region – covering Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands conurbation and Worcestershire.
West Midlands Business Council Chairman, Barrie Williams, said:
"2007 has been the most successful year since the West Midlands Business Council became fully operational in 2004".
"Our successes – gained by business representative organisations coming together for the good of the regional economy – has included:
- Annual action plan to tackle congestion black spots – with action already having been taken;
- An increase in the number of exporters from the Midlands;
- The decision to begin work to broaden workplace training – tailor made for individual firms.
"By influencing the development of two strategies – the Economic Strategy under the aegis of the Regional Development Agency, Advantage West Midlands, and the Spatial Strategy, under the aegis of the West Midlands Regional Assembly, we have helped to ensure that:
- Major new housing developments can only happen if infrastructure and employment links are put in place;
- Secure truck parks will be set up to crack down on truck crime;
- Businesses will receive help to develop their R&D ideas;
- Advantage West Midlands is willing to invest in anti business crime projects in many areas of the region;
- Accessing emerging markets will be championed by the Regional Development Agency.
"With reforms to the Board of the West Midlands Business Council to make it even more representative of our business community, we are determined to achieve even more in 2008".
West Midlands Business Council Executive Director, James Watkins, added:
"The work of the Business Council has had an impact in every area of the region, such as:
· The appeal to help flood hit firms in Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire and Staffordshire – with the ARC Addington Fund and the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institute – helping over 200 firms get back on their feet;
· Government policy changed to accept that the massive Milton Keynes South Midlands housing led development must be planned in such a way that it does not harm the economy of Coventry and Warwickshire;
· Developing links with the world's largest financial centre – the City of London – especially in the field of Islamic finance – could lead to new business opportunities for professional services firms in Birmingham;
· The development of environmental technologies is now part of the plans for the regeneration of the Black Country;
· Locally owned shops will have a better chance to survive in town centres such as in Newcastle under Lyme and Telford and not be eased out by the large multiples.
"We have also reached out to firms on the commercial opportunities from international trade and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games".
"So much more has to happen, though, before the West Midlands region is seen more widely as the natural home for business".
"That is the challenge that faces us in 2008".
Crime
The West Midlands Business Council campaigned for a truck stop that had played a vital role to reduce the levels of truck crime to stay open. The Business Council objected to plans for the truck stop to be abandoned and South Staffordshire District Council agreed not to grant planning permission that would lead to the abandonment of the truck stop.
However, our initial success did not last for long when it was announced that the truck stop would close anyway on 14 December.
HBOS plc was urged to use its influence not to allow the Featherstone truck stop to close which, if it happens, could lead to a rise in truck crime.
In an unprecedented move, senior figures from the West Midlands Business Council, the Road Haulage Association, the Freight Transport Association and the T&G Section of Unite the Union came together to issue a joint appeal to HBOS plc's Chairman, Lord Stevenson of Coddenham.
HBOS is the main financial backer of Kilmartin Properties, the landlord of the Nightowl truck stop by Junction 1 of the M54.
The existence of the truck stop has meant that truck drivers can feel secure that while parked there they will not be subject to attempted hijackings and other forms of truck crime.
It is believed that Kilmartin purchased the truck stop in March this year from Hobden Cromwell and that part of the deal was to give the tenants, Nightowl, a two year rent free lease period commencing in April 2007 but subject to a clause whereby either party to the agreement could effect termination on a three month written notice. Nightowl previously operated the site on a rent free basis from Hobden Cromwell.
Kilmartin invoked the clause when they submitted the unsuccessful planning application for site change of use and Nightowl ceases operation of the site today in accordance with the lease cessation terms. It is understood Kilmartin hope to get planning permission on appeal possibly as early as Easter 2008. Nightowl were believed to have been offered a short term lease covering the period to the appeal in return for substantial monthly rental payments which Nightowl cannot afford and makes the truck stop an unviable business entity.
West Midlands Business Council's Regional Business Crime Forum Chairman, Mike Cherry, said:
"Staffordshire Police, Nightowl, the regional business community, the haulage industry, the T&G Unite trade union, South Staffordshire District Council all want the truck stop to stay open".
"The repercussions of its closure could lead to a rise in truck crime which surely no one wants".
"So, we are making a joint appeal with Mike Farmer of the Road Haulage Association, Stephen Kelly of the Freight Transport Association and Caroline Crolley of the T&G Section of Unite the Union, before the truck stop is due to close by the end of today, to the financial backers of Kilmartin – HBOS plc – to use their influence to ensure the truck stop remains open".
"We hope, in this season of goodwill, that this last ditch appeal will lead to the truck stop staying open".
The fight against crime did not end there. The West Midlands Business Council warned of a new card scam.
West Midlands Business Council's Regional Business Crime Forum Chairman – and Federation of Small Businesses' Regional Policy Unit Chair – Mike Cherry, said:
"We have become aware of a new card scam".
"This time, phone calls are being made asking for just the last three numbers on the back of the card – claiming they are from your bank or VISA".
"This is not true. In reality, these are criminals who have got hold of the main card number but need the last three numbers to steal your money".
"A bank or VISA would not ask you this information – as they have it already".
"Don't fall for this trick – please be careful if you receive calls out of the blue asking for your bank details".
Engineering Employers Federation's Stuart Fell represented the West Midlands Business Council when he met with Sandwell Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership – which brings together the local council, the police and others involved in the fight against crime. Stuart called for more action against business crime in Sandwell.
Road Charging
The West Midlands Business Council has been consulted by the public transport body for the West Midlands conurbation, Centro, on the continuing consideration being given to councils in this area for road charging possibly being introduced for the conurbation. However, in the same month, it was announced that Shropshire County Council had decided to drop plans for road charging to happen in Shrewsbury.
Planning and the Economy
The West Midlands Business Council is consulting its members on draft responses to two major consultations.
The West Midlands Regional Assembly is consulting on regional planning rules that will impact on a range of areas – from rural public services to energy.
The Regional Development Agency, Advantage West Midlands, is consulting on its action plan after publishing its new Regional Economic Strategy.
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