Bosses target the heart of Europe; 'This is a chance to wield our power'.

Byline: Colin Lewis Business Editor

BUSINESS leaders from Coventry and Warwickshire are among a regional delegation heading to the heart of the European Union this week to meet the continent's powerbrokers.

The Confederation of West Midlands Chambers of Commerce is visiting Brussels to meet MEPs and EU commissioners while building relationships between the organisation and the West Midlands in Europe office.

Warwickshire businesswoman Isabella Moore, who is chairman of the confederation, said: "As an organisation, we already lobby the British government in London but it is equally important that we look further afield and present the views and concerns of thousands of West Midlands firms to the powers-that-be in Brussels.

"Europe is obviously one of the most important market places for British businesses and, whether we like it or not, the EU has a lot of influence over what happens in the UK.

"Therefore, it is vitally important for the West Midlands to have a presence in Europe and for the voice of business to be heard there."

Louise Beard, policy director at Birmingham and Solihull Chamber, said: "For the first time ever, the Confederation of West Midlands Chambers of Commerce is going out to Brussels as a united group to meet the people who matter in the EU.

"We will be meeting some very senior and influential people and taking the opportunity to do some fact-finding and voicing the concerns of the region's business community.

"The West Midlands is an important part of the UK economy, which in turn is one the most powerful economies in Europe. This is an excellent chance for us to wield our power at the heart of Europe and to show what the region has to offer."

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CONCERNS: Isabella Moore