The leader of Lichfield District Council says developing a greater link with local businesses is one of the key targets for the local authority.
The Conservatives retained control of the authority at the recent elections, gaining 41 of the 47 seats on offer.
Despite the resounding victory, Cllr Mike Wilcox believes there is still plenty of work for his administration to do to meet the needs of local companies.
“As far as we’re concerned these next four or five years are all about growing the economy,” he said.
“The only way to do that is to make sure we engage with businesses locally and make sure we’re servicing their requirements.”
He confirmed that cabinet members will play their part in making those connections, but admitted that he also had bridges to build.
“As leader of the council I should at the very least know the top 100 business in the district and at the moment I don’t.
“This is going to be high on the agenda for cabinet members to engage with local companies.”
Part of the new drive to re-invigorate the area’s business community will also be focused on ensuring the much-delayed Friarsgate development in Lichfield comes to fruition.
The project was put on the backburner during the financial downturn and has since been re-imagined.
But Cllr Wilcox said his administration needed to ensure the scheme becomes reality.
“Friarsgate is a development we want to see happen,” he insisted. “It will create up to 1,000 jobs and bring people into the city.
“It will also boost the housing situation too as there will be elements of this wrapped around the scheme.”