The region's businesses can set a national example ensuring all communities share in the success of the economy, the new chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has said.

Corin Crane has joined the chamber after leading the Black Country Chamber for almost six years.

He succeeds Louise Bennett OBE DL, who has run the organisation for 20 years and will remain with the Chamber for a brief period to handover to Corin.

Crane said he is joining a very strong chamber at a time when Coventry and Warwickshire had much to look forward to – despite difficult economic times.

He said: "I'm incredibly honoured to be given this opportunity to lead the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber and will make sure that the brilliant work that Louise and the chamber board have done over the last 20 years becomes the springboard for success in the future.

"I have a long history of supporting Midlands businesses and they are facing some difficult times in the coming months as we negotiate spiralling inflation, huge hikes in energy and fuel costs, hard to fill vacancies, increased pay demands and supply chain issues. 

"But alongside the support many will need to survive and grow - I will be focused on celebrating the incredible stories of our local entrepreneurs and businesses that Coventry and Warwickshire is famous for, and making sure that every possible opportunity is seized."

"Business confidence is high after the success of the brilliant City of Culture and we will want to ensure those arts and culture businesses keep on growing.

"We will have the eyes of the world on our tourism offer as the Commonwealth Games is launched and huge opportunities will become available as we become global leaders in sustainability on the back of our Very Light Rail programme, Gigafactory proposal and ground-breaking research taking place within our innovative businesses and universities.

"Most importantly, we want the businesses of Coventry and Warwickshire to become exemplars in the way we do business by putting ethics and strong, diverse leadership at the heart of everything we do.

"We want an environment where everyone shares in the success of our economy - inclusive, dynamic and innovative businesses creating exciting and achievable jobs for our local residents. Successful businesses will be the bridge between the rural and urban areas that define the Chamber's membership.

"There are tough times ahead, but exciting times as well."