Its A Tale of Two Cities: the best of times? report looks at nine cities and gives examples of how businesses and local councils have worked together to regenerate urban areas.

The report calls for such partnerships to be put on to a formal footing so that councils and businesses can work together on key issues such as training and developing transport infrastructure.

A BCC spokesman said:

"By striking up strong relationships, business groups and local authorities have been able to lay the foundations for success, developing the infrastructure needed for investment and growth."