Business advisory firm Deloitte, headline sponsors of the CBI West Midlands Annual Dinner, held a pre-dinner drinks reception at its Brindleyplace offices, attended by more than 50 of the most influential people within the Midlands business community.

After a welcome provided by Pauline Biddle, practice senior partner of Deloitte in the Midlands, the guests were joined by António Simões, CEO of HSBC UK and CEO of HSBC Europe, and Paul Drechsler CBE, president of the CBI, who both gave a few words and answered some questions, prior to their speaking at this year’s CBI dinner at the ICC.