EMPLOYMENT minister Esther McVey praised Wirral's 'dynamic and innovative' business community during a chamber of commerce conference.

Addressing an audience of 250 delegates at Hillbark Hotel in Frankby on Friday afternoon the Wirral West MP, who is honorary president of Wirral chamber, said: "We frequently get together to celebrate Wirral’s business success.

"A report out today from Grant Thornton said business confidence is at an all-time high.

"I know it's tough, it's been a tough few years for all of us, but Wirral's business resilience has grown.

"That's all down to businesses of the sort of people in this room."

Wirral Business Partnership merged its services and resources with the Wirral Chamber of Commerce last year, to create an organisation offering a powerful lobbying voice on issues affecting businesses.

It aims include greater business support, the development of export services and a crime alert programme. A full calendar of business events is planned for this year.

It includes participation in supporting the International Festival for Business and The Open Golf Championship.

The new board and executive structure is headed up by Wirral Business Partnership’s Asif Hamid as chairman, and Paula Basnett as chief executive officer.

Looking to the future Asif Hamid, chair of Wirral chamber said: "2014 is an exciting time, with a lot happening in Wirral.

"It's been a rocky road to get to here, but Paula Basnett and her team have done a great job. It’s an exciting time for Wirral Chamber, with a new start.

"There are lots of plans. We have an opportunity for businesses to help eachother."