The transformation of two of Coventry’s most famous businesses – and the birth of a key new organisation – were spelled out at a meeting of business leaders.
The Coventry and Warwickshire Champions, established to develop and promote the area, held its largest ever meeting at the new Lloyds Bank Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre (AMTC) at Ansty Park.
The £36 million training centre, which includes conference facilities, has been designed to help address the skills shortage in manufacturing and technology.
The event, attended by more than 150 business people, heard from new Coventry City managing director Chris Anderson , Peter Johansen, executive vice president for LTC’s UK operations and Paul Rowlett, managing director of the AMTC.
Anderson, an accountant and academic, took over the role at the Sky Blues late last year.
Johansen is overseeing a £250 million investment by Chinese company Geeley, which owns London Taxis.
Its new research and manufacturing plant is being built at Ansty and is due to come on stream next year.
Coventry and Warwickshire’s presence at MIPIM – the world’s leading commercial property development and investment show – was also outlined and the opportunities it presents for the area were showcased.
The Coventry and Warwickshire MIPIM Partnership is made up and funded by companies and organisations, and it allows the area to have a significant presence at the show which is attended by more than 21,000 delegates.
Les Ratcliffe, chair of the Place Board which runs the Champions initiative, said: “These sessions are designed to ensure that the Champions are equipped with the news and information about leading companies, individuals and organisations in our area.
“The AMTC is a superb venue, and the work it is undertaking is vital for the future of the economy. Hopefully the presence of so many prominent businesses will help spread the word about its work.
“Everyone attended drove in past the new Geely plant and was able to see the scope of the investment which will see 36,000 of the iconic cabs rolling off the production line.
“They will be destined for all corners of the globe and provide a worldwide testament to the engineering capabilities of Coventry and Warwickshire.
“Chris analysed the recent history of Coventry City highlighting that it has been in decline for several years, but also spelled out the plans to return it to the Championship and hopefully even higher.
“Of course Coventry and Warwickshire, like everywhere else, has challenges but there is a massive amount to celebrate and champion, and that is exactly what these meetings are designed for.”