Leader of Birmingham City Council guest speaker at Richardson business event.

The latest Richardson business roundtable event welcomed Councillor John Cotton, leader of Birmingham City Council as guest speaker.

(left to right) Carl Richardson, JohnCotton, Martyn Richardson

The Richardson family regularly hosts forums for business leaders, as well as national and local politicians at their West Midlands HQ, to look at promoting the wealth creation sector in the region.

Councillor Cotton has been the leader of the biggest council in Europe employing over 10,000 people since May last year, just four months before it hit the headlines due to its challenging financial situation.

Around 20 invited guests heard directly from Councillor Cotton as he explained how the council is approaching their budget deficit and working with government commissioners.  He also shared his hopes for the future and discussed how the business community and city council can work together more effectively moving forward. 

Councillor Cotton took a variety of questions during the event including the Mayoral and Police Crime Commissioner elections taking place next week, as well as funding for local government nationally and civic pride. 

Councillor Cotton has been a local councillor for 25 years and has held senior roles before becoming leader.  Most recently he was cabinet member for social justice, community safety and inequalities.

You can read an interview conducted by the Express & Star newspaper with Councillor Cotton after the roundtable event here:Exclusive: Birmingham Council leader reveals strategies for financial recovery in Express & Star interview | Express & Star (expressandstar.com)