BUSINESS representatives from minority ethnic communities are being urged to get involved in a multi-million-pound scheme that will shape the future economy of the West Midlands.

The plea came from Mohammad Nazir, chairman of the West Midlands Minority Ethnic Business Forum, when he addressed a meeting of the region's ethnic enterprise agencies.

He said there were great opportunities for minority ethnic businesses to influence future planning, remove barriers and ensure effective spending of the substantial resources that are being made available.

"We accept that involvement can mean the investment of time, but now is the right moment to make our case - not in three or four years," he said.

The meeting also heard from Pat Laughlin, director of business growth at Advantage West Midlands (AWM), the regional development agency responsible for the two counties.

She explained that to make the most of the resources available, AWM needed the help of the business community so projects were demand-led, not supply-led.

"In particular, we need the help of the minority ethnic community agencies who really understand what is going in and what is needed at grass roots level."

The Minority Ethnic Business Forum is an independent body made up of 15 business representatives from across the West Midlands.

For more information, phone Pat Laughlin at AWM on 0121 380 3500.