The Business Desk's annual State of the Region survey for 2012, which is compiled on the back of recording the views of the region's business leaders, provides an overview of business confidence in the area.
The 2012 report makes significant reference to the creation of 38 Local Enterprise Partnerships across the country to replace regional development agencies.
While the report does not offer a conclusive response from businesses in the West Midlands on whether LEPs in general will have a positive impact on the economy, it goes on to single out the Black Country LEP for praise.
The report states:
"It should be noted that the Black Country LEP was mentioned by several respondents in a positive light, with comments including that it was "set up quickly”, "well run” and "active”."
The Black Country LEP's work is focussed on six key priorities of planning, transport, business support & advice, skills & education, access to capital & investment and international trade. In addition there is a seventh priority around perception and communication, which includes a focus on the visitor economy.
The key areas each have a private sector lead tasked with pushing forward proposals and plans. And the four Black Country councils of Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton, have also taken on responsibility to support on specific priority areas.
The State of the Region survey was run online by http://www.businessdesk.com/ throughout December 2011 and focused on business confidence.