OPEN your eyes and ears to the city around you before growing too alarmed by a report which suggests that Birmingham's status as a great place to do business is dwindling.
According to the Cushman and Wakefield European Monitor, Birmingham is no longer a top twenty city.
What nonsense from an organisation that is hardly a household name.
If Brum's appeal is waning, why would a huge company such as National Express move its national headquarters here?
Why would world famous names such as Jaguar and Land Rover have major manufacturing plants here?
Why would Cadbury-Schweppes, downgrading production facilities elsewhere in the country, insist that Bournville remains its flagship?
If that is not enough to convince you, take a walk round Birmingham's financial quarter and walk past the plush offices occupied by high-fliers making crucial decisions.
Truth is, our city is second only to London in terms of the business done here.
We have always been – and will remain – at the heart of this country's industry and commerce.
Take Cushman and Wakefield's report with a very big pinch of salt. Then toss the silly document in the bin.