BUSINESS and investment in Dudley borough has been given a boost with the unveiling of a new group aimed at driving regeneration.

Spearheaded by Dudley Council leader Councillor Patrick Harley, the initiative which aims to encourage growth is made up of industry leaders and companies from across the borough.

The business champions group will act as ambassadors for the borough and identify opportunities as well as constraints for businesses and feed them back to the council and partners.

They will also work with the council to promote the borough to key investors, developers and visitors.

Cllr Harley said: “One of my key priorities as leader of the council is to ensure that we do everything within our powers and resources to facilitate economic growth.

“To achieve this we need to work more closely with partners and stakeholders across the borough, the wider Black Country and the emerging West Midlands Combined Authority.

“There is a lot to be positive about in Dudley, but we also need to identify and deal with any areas which are unhelpful for businesses who want to invest.

“The voice of business is critical to my aim. We must listen to our existing businesses and with partners do what we can to ensure that the conditions and support are in place to encourage business growth and attract new investment.”

The group includes a number of borough businesses as well as representatives from the Black Country Chamber of Commerce.

Corin Crane, chief executive at the chamber of commerce, added: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the local authority to get to the heart of what makes businesses tick.

“It is vital the voice of local business is heard when planning the wider regeneration of Dudley borough.

“I look forward to positive and fruitful working in the Dudley business champions group.”