Action both by national and local government is needed now, not in 18 months, if jobs are to be created by expanding the local economy, the chairman of the Institute of Directors told a private dinner for clients and guests of executive recruitment consultancy Odgers Interim.
John Rider said that too many promises of action nationally and locally were qualified by timing and those actions and funds took too long to filter down to where it was actually needed.
“Too often we hear an announcement but then realise that this is going to be enacted in 18 months or two years’ time,” he said.
The dinner, held at Opus Restaurant in Birmingham attracted a blue chip list of the directors and owners of the West Midlands’ leading quoted companies and family owned businesses.
Mr Rider told guests: “Everyone knows we are in the throes of major economic problems, but are London-based civil servants calling the shots and holding our politicians back, or is the Government just being very slow to get its act together.
“Either way we are hearing too many words and not seeing enough action, leaving the economy on auto-pilot?”
He said politicians and business leaders needed to be realistic. “Trying to talk up the situation is futile. What is required is initiatives that will make a difference.
“Yet where is the sense of urgency?”
He pointed out that Round One Regional Growth fund “winners” which were announced on April 12 still had not seen a penny and had been left in limbo.
“Additionally, inducements for businesses to move into the new Enterprise Zones won’t start flowing until April 2013 at the earliest. It is lamentable.
“Imagine if the winners in next year’s Olympics had to wait six months or more for their medals!”
Sarah Longbottom and Nick Behan of Odgers Interim welcomed guests and remarked that interim managers can play a key role in helping the region’s businesses move forward – whether they are planning for growth or need help rationalising existing plant and resources.
Sarah Longbottom said: “Odgers Interim is committed to working with businesses that need help delivered in a constructive, cost-effective way, whether this is interim executives working within SMEs or quoted companies wanting to tackle business issues such as; crisis management, improving cash flow, raising funds, developing investment strategies, preparing a business for growth or sale, gap management or managing a restructure of the team or business.”
Nick Behan added “The feedback from our guests was so positive that we plan to make the dinner a regular highlight in the Midlands SME business calendar”.
“It also gave directors a useful opportunity to exchange their experiences and views on their own industries and sectors with other business leaders in the region”.
