Bright Future for Black Country

Last night I was at a function at West Bromwich that was addressed by John Hutton the Secretary of State for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform.

I was very interested in what Secretary of State Hutton had to say, not just because I am Wolverhampton City Councils Enterprise Champion. But also because John Hutton is reputed to be one of the most effective of Cabinet Ministers.

He said " It was impossible to come to the Black Country without being aware of the Black Countries history. The fact that it was the cradle of the industrial revolution.But in looking at the history you have to balance it with the future, and the future looked good for the Black Country and the West Midlands. "

The Secretary of State spoke about how today the Black Country had gone from being the 'cradle of the industrial revolution' and was now pitching in the 'new global revolution' that was taking place. He said that we are part of the global economy and that there was particular strength in Manufacturing and that we were still selling goods and services world wide. He made the point in underlining the fact that though we have a smaller manufacturing base than in the past. It was still a very important part of the local economy and more than 20,000 jobs were still employed in the sector.

He pointed with pride about the fact that our products manufactured here in the Black Country can be seen on every continent of the World.

The Secretary of State said " That the Labour Party after three terms had to form relationships to have meaningful dialogue with industry. It was a sensible course to take for Government. In winning three elections many of the challenges have been addressed. But to win another term -and another one after that!- The challenges will be much different from the ones of the past 10 years."

He went onto emphasis that "British Industry and Commerce needed to be profitable and successful, that is how we navigate to win future Government." He admitted that there was turbulent times in the financial markets, and that "made the situation serious".

In answering questions he dealt with the Nuclear future! Saying that the Black Country and the West Midlands had a lot to offer, both in skills and product. He finished by saying that we had a bright future and that he felt it was a great honour addressing such a large gathering of Labour Industry and Commercial interests.