BLACK Country Chamber of Commerce will unveil its pledge to double the size of the Black Country economy over the next 10 years at an MP's breakfast event next month.

The invitation to local MPs for the breakfast, on Friday, September 12, includes the Black Country Chamber of Commerce manifesto and details of how it says the pledge can be achieved.

Black Country Chamber president, Ninder Johal, said: "If you project forward we can expect the Black Country GVA to be about £22 billion in 2023, some 28% higher than it was in 2013 (£17 billion).

"This is simply not enough if the Black Country wants to retain the status it once had as our industrial powerhouse. There are many actions we can take. For example, we can double the turnover of our members through the leadership and management and export activity we are currently undertaking through the Black Country Growth Hub. This will most likely add £3 billion to the local economy.

"The Government could give Black Country SME manufacturers 'trailblazer' status so that, collectively, we can develop the skills that we so badly need. We seek the comprehensive reviews of fuel duties and 'green taxes' and a review of investment in technology that enables greater choice in commuting and a reduction in costs for hauliers. Both of these could add £1 billion into the local economy.

"As a nation we could start a 50-year investment programme in infrastructure that assures alignment in national transport and economic strategies, facilitates a transfer of wealth and skills from the South East to the West Midlands and leverages significant private sector investment to create jobs and innovation in how we travel and move freight.

"If successive governments are committed to such a bold move the Black Country alone is likely to achieve a £2.5 billion boost to its economy.

"We also want to close the trade gap by altering some of the dynamics of demand by encouraging consumers and procurers to buy local, wherever possible. We think Government should revisit the high costs of basic essentials such as petrol, energy and council tax, all of which continue to increase at above-inflation levels and fuel increases in the minimum wage.

"We also look forward to faster resolution to local burdens on businesses such as business rates, regulation and enforcement and sign posting. We expect these three options to add £1.5 billion to the local economy.

" We need to encourage more companies to export and we need to have better access to finance so more of our Black Country businesses can expand the market for their first-class products and secure the finance they need to invest in state-of-the-art machinery. This is likely to add another £1 billion.

"The Growth Hub is a relatively new project but with the right - private sector - leadership it could be instrumental in delivering a £4 billion boost to the local economy by ensuring businesses receive the right level of support they need, precisely at the right time.”