Andrew Mitchell MP has met with the new Chairman and Board Directors of Sutton Coldfield Town Centre BID together with Councillors Anne Underwood, David Pears and Margaret Waddington to discuss the role of local business in Sutton Coldfield ahead of the meeting he will chair on the future of Sutton Coldfield Town Centre on Friday 7 September 2012. Mr Mitchell heard, firsthand from the Board Directors, that May through to July this year has seen more success for existing businesses in Sutton Coldfield together with new retailers arriving in the Town. Andrew Mitchell MP, said “I am grateful to the Sutton Coldfield Town Centre BID members who volunteer their time to improve Sutton Coldfield Town Centre.” “As Sutton’s MP I am seeking to bring together everyone who wants to influence the future of the Town Centre and I am pleased at the positive reception from local businesses and residents who have confidence in the Town Centre’s prospects.” After the Reception Chairman of the BID, Andrew Burley, commented “As a Business Improvement District we will invest more than £1 million pounds in projects over the next five years which will directly benefit Sutton Coldfield Town Centre.” “We have held talks with Andrew Mitchell and local Councillors which has set the scene for the discussion which will take place at the Public Meeting.” Following the meeting Trinity Councillor David Pears, said “I am encouraged by the positive news from Sutton Coldfield Town Centre BID and am pleased to learn that both their experience and recent figures show that Sutton Coldfield is holding its own at what is a difficult time for business across the country.” “Recent investment by new businesses in our Town Centre is an optimistic sign and I look forward, along with the rest of Sutton’s Councillors, to discussing these issues in further detail.” The public meeting on the future of Sutton Coldfield Town Centre will take place at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall on Friday 7 September 2012 at 10:00 and will feature a panel chaired by Andrew Mitchell MP. Photo: (left – right) Mike Bushell (Town Centre Manager), Stephen Roberts (Robson Lister), Councillor Margaret Waddington, Andrew Jackson (Mall Manager), Richard Youds (West Midlands Police), Andrew Mitchell MP, Andrew Burley (Burley Browne), Councillor Anne Underwood, Keith Ward (The Station Pub) and Councillor David Pears.