The latest Quarterly Economic Survey carried out by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) shows that confidence is high and most businesses in the region expect to increase their profits.

It also underlines the need for the Skills Hub that was launched in Birmingham recently by Lord Heseltine, with 54% of the manufacturers who responded to the survey saying that they are trying to recruit new staff but 68% saying that it is difficult to find people with the right skills.

GBCC president Tim Pile said: “This survey shows a remarkable performance by Greater Birmingham manufacturers. While some figures are slightly down on previous quarters, confidence about the future remains high, and export figures are outstanding.

“It demonstrates the resilience of companies in the region and their determination to maintain the impetus of success that has come out of the downturn. It also underlines the problems that we face in skills and unemployment.

“That is why the Skills Hub is so important; it will provide a link between business and academia in the region to help companies find the right people to train in the required skills, while providing a platform for students to seek the right job.”