Birmingham is crucial to the success of Britain's financial industries' sector, the Lord Mayor of the City of London has said.
And Lord Mayor David Brewer - who represents the UK-based financial services industry - called for boosted Venture Capital links between the City and region.
He was visiting Birmingham today to meet officials from financial and business firms, institutions and key figures in the sector including the Birmingham-based Islamic Bank of Great Britain, Alliance and Leicester and Lord Mayor of Birmingham Mike Sharpe. He told The Post: "Birmingham is key to the UK's success and over 100,000 jobs in 600 professional and financial services firms truly depend on it.
"Birmingham is the Heart of England and its energy and talent help generate billions for the UK in this sector."
The Lord Mayor was also keen to build Venture Capital industry links and was today set to discuss with key regional figures in the industry the next steps for co-operation.
Birmingham is the home to 100,000 financial services jobs and the UK's largest professional and financial services sector outside London, a spokesman for his office said.
Lord Mayor Brewer said: "Both Birmingham and the City of London share the success of economic growth but London and Birmingham need to remain united in facing up to the threats and exploiting the opportunities - that are emerging daily worldwide."
He also warned over the impact of some EU legislation which could hinder financial businesses.
Lord Mayor Brewer said: "Misconceived or misapplied EU legislation affects business anywhere in the UK.
"We do not want any regulations which hamper the position of the UK's wholesale financial services sector which is as crucial for Birmingham as for the City of London.
"Well-paid jobs and financial prosperity depend on it."
West Midlands Business Council deputy chairman Dr Sarindar Singh Sahota OBE said: "We are delighted to welcome the Lord Mayor to the West Midlands region.
"We know a strong relationship between businesses at the heart of the UK with the Square Mile has the potential to lead to greater prosperity and jobs in the Midlands. That is why we look forward to further co-operation with the City of London." The City provides local government services for the Square Mile financial and commercial centre. ..SUPL:
