Liz Truss saddles up to support Black Country businesses

That's the message from prominent politician Liz Truss, who saddled up in Walsall yesterday to champion local businesses and the opportunities Brexit will present.

Ms Truss, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, visited Fairfax Saddles in Bloxwich as part of a tour of the West Midlands, which also took in Dudley College.

WATCH: Liz Truss visits Black Country business

She was visiting the region after figures showed it was leading the way with the highest productivity growth of any English region since 2010.

She said: "The West Midlands is helping lead the way for UK productivity growth and it is the local businesses I met that are crucial to driving growth, providing jobs and boosting opportunity for all.

“We need to support local businesses and those investing skills training to give the next generation the tools they need to succeed, increasing our economy’s productivity potential even further.”

Speaking to the Express & Star she added: "I talked to some of the people who work in the region about what their priorities are for public spending. Fairly soon we will be talking about the spending review and I want to hear from people on the ground about what areas are most important to them, what would make the biggest difference to their lives."

Asked about issues were raised, Ms Truss said: "Police, NHS, availability of GPs, education, affordable child care and making sure local roads are good."

She also said Brexit 'was not really discussed', adding: "I think everyone is looking forward to the world beyond Brexit, how we're going to make sure Britain succeeds. Fairfax is a fantastic example of a company that exports a unique product around the world.

"I am sure the Prime Minister is going to secure a deal that parliament can agree on and that we're all going to get on with it. Last week's vote showed we can secure a majority for the deal with changes to the backstop."

Ms Truss also visited Bathams Brewery in Brierley Hill on her tour yesterday after it was confirmed that taxes on beer, cider and spirits would be frozen for another year from this month onwards.