That was the verdict at a launch event for Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s latest Quarterly Business Report.

While the Q4 report reiterates the difficulty firms are facing in filling vacancies, delegates at Birmingham City University’s Curzon Building heard that “there is nothing stopping the West Midlands from being the best place to work”.

According to the latest report, 69 per cent of firms experienced hiring difficulties over the past three months - up from 60 per cent in Q3.

But guest speakers Lucy Fairclough, partner at accountancy firm Bishop Fleming, and Mahfia Watkinson, policy and skills lead at the West Midlands Combined Authority, believe a more optimistic future lies ahead for the region.

Lucy spoke of Bishop Fleming’s focus on a “human-led” approach to personnel, which includes developing soft skills such as communication and leadership.

Bishop Fleming launched its Birmingham office last year and Lucy said: “We decided to come to Birmingham because the opportunity is massive.

“We've got incredible universities here, incredible schools and other further education providers.

“So, we've got such a large pool of talent in in the city.”

Lucy said Bishop Fleming took on five graduates within the first few months of operating in Birmingham and have placed a focus on in-house training to develop skills such as communication, personal branding, negotiating and networking.

“Young people are at the start of their career and it's up to us be the adult you needed when you were first in work,” she added.

Meanwhile, Mahfia said labour force data for the WMCA area is improving.

She said 1.3 million people are currently in work – up by 23,000 on the year – while the number of residents with no qualifications has reduced by 3 per cent.

“That doesn't sound like a lot, but if we think about the bravery it takes for somebody to admit they need support to join that skills ladder and to find that provision that will help them in that journey, that's a big step,” Mahfia added.

She said the WMCA is working with colleges, universities and training providers to ensure there are “flight paths for our residents.”

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s Quarterly Business Report provides an up-to-date snapshot of the performance of the region’s business community.

Sponsored by Birmingham City University, it is the most comprehensive regular report of its kind in the city region.