BLACK Country business leaders are calling on MPs to ensure continued growth following the Tory general election victory.

The Black Country Chamber of Commerce, which represents 1,500 businesses with 67,500 employees, welcomed the surprise win for the Conservative Party.

The result saw David Cameron remain as Prime Minister with an overall parliamentary majority, his post-election cabinet reshuffle has seen Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid promoted to Business Secretary.

The Chamber plans to double the size of the of the Black Country economy and says the region can play a major role in global industry.

Black Country Chamber of Commerce President, Ninder Johal, said: "The Conservatives now have a clear mandate to take bold and important decisions, and must use it to help British businesses invest and grow.

“In return, business stands ready to work with the new government to deliver prosperity, jobs and sustained economic growth.

"We call on our local MPs to ensure the Industrial Heart of the UK continues to grow."

Black Country Chamber of Commerce vice president, Kevin Rogers added: "The election result may have been a surprise to some but the stability that the outcome potentially offers is welcomed by business.

“How we in the Black Country respond to the opportunities offered will depend on how we work together to produce a very clear picture of the region's role in the global economy, a role which could make us an integral part of every significant manufacturing supply chain, and use the heritage skills of innovation and creativity to bring together the digital and engineering sectors within a remanufacturing, testing and design context.”

Mike Dell, who leads the chamber’s devolution group, said: "West Midlands businesses want more control of the factors that influence their future, namely transport and skills.

“The time for ineffective bureaucratic superstructures is over.”