The event also saw the Chambers launch a report into the growth of the regional economy – Business Commission West Midlands: A Roadmap for Business Growth – which outlines five key areas identified as opportunities for the region.

The report, which has brought together research by a Business Commission set up by the Chambers, identifies international trade, net zero, FDI & inward investment, innovation and AI & technology as being of strategic importance for economic growth.

Both candidates praised the report before outlining their plans to get the economy growing across the West Midlands.

Corin Crane, Chief Executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The event – and the report – emphasised that this is a great place to do business and that we are really fortunate to be based in such an incredible area.

“It was interesting that both candidates spoke about the need for more employment land because that is something that we have been campaigning on for some time now and it comes out in the Roadmap for Business Growth too.

“We have businesses in the region that want to expand here or companies from outside wanting to come to the West Midlands but there isn’t enough employment land set aside for them.

“Of course, skills came through loud and clear as a barrier to growth and we’re really pleased with the progress being made on that through the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP).

“Through the research we did on skills, we heard from so many firms that said they’d got strong order books but couldn’t get the right people to help them deliver and that’s something that has to change.