The MP said investment in skills and transport would help to drive forward the regional economy and cited City Centre South, Friargate, the Cultural Gateway and VLR as examples that would help to transform Coventry.
She said: “I would like to thank every business – big and small – for everything that they do for our city and the jobs they create.
“Growing the economy is all about partnership and I want to work together with businesses to help them achieve their aims.
“I am proud to represent Coventry and to see the transformation that is starting to take place.
“We can be a powerhouse of the West Midlands and, indeed, the whole country when you look at all of our attributes as a city and the businesses we have here.”
The event also heard from Andrew Todd, the University of Warwick’s director of regional strategy and partnerships, as the University rose to eighth in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide.
He outlined the many ways the University links with business – from research through to support – as well as providing graduates, interns and students for projects into local companies.
The final presentation was by Adam Hunt, the head of property and development at Coventry City Council, on City Centre South.
He told the gathered businesses that the scheme had shifted from being retail-led to focussing on city centre homes and how the £450m development would make Coventry city centre a ‘24/seven’ economy.
Tim Squires, chair of the Coventry Local Business Forum, said: “It was fantastic to have three excellent speakers, and the event brought us right up to date with key developments in the city.
“City Centre South has been discussed many times at our forum, so it is great to see the progress being made there and we know the amazing contribution the University of Warwick makes to the regional economy. Alongside Coventry University, we are blessed to have two incredible universities in our city.
“It was also great to hear Taiwo Owatemi speaking so positively about the city and the crucial relationship between businesses and decision makers.”
