Worcestershire is recognisably prospering as a County and there are a number of events and businesses awards available to help continue this trend.
We recently heard the fantastic news that Worcestershire had the third highest growth in prosperity out of all 39 LEP areas between 2010 – 2014. Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s research measured prosperity through a variety of indicators, including GVA (Gross Value Added), earnings, employment, skills and qualifications. The County was also recognised as having the greatest growth in workforce skills during that period, highlighting the number of people in higher level occupations and the quality of educational attainment.
I look forward to celebrating some of Worcestershire’s prospering companies with an audience of over 500 business people later this week at the 2016 Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Business awards and good luck to the forty businesses that have been shortlisted for the eleven awards. I am certain that this year’s awards will once again be a spectacular tribute to our business community and I would encourage the County’s businesses to understand the excellent offer available from your local Chamber of Commerce.
Excitement is also building for this year’s Worcestershire Apprenticeship Awards. The Apprenticeship Awards are always a fantastic event for highlighting the excellent quality of apprenticeships that are available within the County and helping to raise business profile. I would urge local employers, apprentices, training providers and schools to submit entries before the 30 June 2016 deadline.
We will continue to profile opportunities to enter awards in our newsletter as well as celebrate those who have won prestigious accolades. The WLEP Annual Conference will also celebrate some of Worcestershire’s business successes. We will be releasing details soon and so do save the date of 4 November 2016. Last year our conference was over-subscribed and so please do make sure you save the date and book a place as soon as possible. To be added to the invitation mailing list, please email enquiries@wlep.co.uk
This newsletter also contains details of a number of upcoming events, for example, the International Festival of Business (IFB) and Worcestershire Apprenticeship’s event to help employers understand the Apprenticeship Levy and I would encourage you to find the right opportunities for you. I would also like to draw your attention to the WINN Worcestershire Innovation Wednesday’s ‘8 minutes and 20 seconds to launch’ event. The title reflects the time it takes for the sun’s light to reach the earth as attendee’s will be asked to shine a light on current activity, innovative networks and what is needed to bring these together to further promote innovation in the County. Do find out more and secure your place to help shape innovation within the County.