Almost half of businesses in the West Midlands are not aware there is a mayoral election, a survey has revealed.

This is despite the first ever West Midlands Mayor being handed responsibility for driving economic growth, creating jobs and ensuring the workforce has the right skills to meet business demands.

The shock findings were in a poll carried by the region’s three chambers of commerce of more than 500 businesses.

It revealed that 59 per cent felt they are not well enough informed about the vote on May 4 while 49 per cent were not even aware of it.

Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce chief executive Paul Faulkner said they would make sure all members are aware of the important election.

“We will be working hard to raise awareness of the elections amongst the business community. These elections are an opportunity for every eligible voter to shape the region’s future,” he said.

The Greater Birmingham, Black Country and Coventry & Warwickshire chambers of commerce have teamed up on a mayoral manifesto for business - based on further responses to the survey.

It found that priorities for businesses were developing world-class transport, attracting major global investors and fighting for a better deal from London Government.

Candidates from six political parties are battling out to become the West Midlands Mayor on May 4, taking responsibility, through the West Midlands Combined Authority, for housing, transport, economic growth and skills and a £36 million a year budget.

West Midlands Mayor candidates policies

The manifesto, called Business Priorities 2017: Vision for a West Midlands Mayor sets out the priorities

· Providing vision, leadership and promotion

· Making the West Midlands the best possible place to do business

· Developing world-class transport infrastructure

· Ensuring a skills ecosystem fit for the future

· Fostering a greater place to live, work and visit

· Leading the region through Brexit

Paul Faulkner chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Mr Faulkner added: “I am delighted to be working with our fellow Chambers on this united vision for business.

“While our region, and our region’s businesses, are admirably diverse, there are strong shared needs and objectives common to all. This document sets out clearly and concisely the key areas which we want to see the successful West Midlands Mayor deliver on.”