As we develop our business plan for 2016/17, the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership continues to remain focused on investing in the County’s future as a modern, creative and innovative economy.
We are now hosting a Business Plan Workshop on 13 April 2016, which all businesses are invited to. The workshop will now look at plans to grow the economy further and increase productivity. Success will only be possible by all sectors working together and this workshop is your opportunity to provide feedback and understand how your business could be further involved and so please do secure your place before the 18 March.
Since the publication of our 2015 Annual Report in November, I am pleased to say we have seen progress and successes in all areas of our Business Plan. From a skills perspective, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Kathleen Sandford from the Community Housing Group, who last week represented the County in the National Apprenticeship Awards and won the Intermediate Apprentice of the Year. This achievement, alongside the regional and Worcestershire Apprenticeship award winners, showcases the excellent opportunities in the County, as well as the huge contribution that apprentices make to the workplace.
There is a lot of support for apprenticeships in the County and I would encourage all businesses to take part in the activities during Apprenticeship Week in March. Also find out more about hiring apprentices by visiting www.worcsapprenticeships.org.uk with details of a new Higher Level Apprenticeship course at the University of Worcester’s Business School included in this e-newsletter.
Finally, congratulations also to those who were shortlisted in the Wonderful Worcestershire Women awards which recognise inspirational women and their contribution to the County. Worcestershire LEP is sponsoring the awards and I would encourage everyone to vote via www.wonderfulworcestershirewomen.co.uk before the 26 February 2016 and to secure your place for the awards ceremony on 29 April 2016 and please do look out for a number of other important events included in this newsletter.