Today we are delighted to announce that Worcestershire has achieved the strongest growth in higher level workforce skills for the second year running.
Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s latest report recognises Worcestershire as achieving the strongest growth in higher level workforce skills in all LEP areas, between 2010 to 2015. This is fantastic news and builds on the success we have already seen this year with Worcestershire achieving the highest growth in workforce productivity in the country. There is also an opportunity for local businesses to help develop workforce skills even further on a national scale, with the Department for Education currently conducting one of the largest employer surveys in the world. I would encourage you to voice your opinions and help to represent Worcestershire’s voice.
This isn’t the only fantastic opportunity available to represent Worcestershire’s business voice, as we are currently recruiting for determined and enthusiastic members to join our Worcestershire LEP Board and Business Board. We are looking for new members to provide us with the additional strategic vision, leadership and business insight to help us to take Worcestershire to new heights, for the benefit of all in the county. We are looking for CEOs, Directors or Entrepreneurs to apply and I would encourage all interested parties to consider applying for the vacancies.
This really is an exciting time to be working with the Worcestershire LEP and the recent signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Maryland and the Midlands Engine is great evidence of this. On Wednesday 21 June, Sir John Peace was present to sign the document which will strengthen cyber business relationships between the two regions and I am delighted that Worcestershire LEP has been able to lead this successful trade programme along with our partners.
Finally, there are two fantastic opportunities for Tourism and IT based businesses to have their achievements recognised. The Visit Worcestershire Awards for Excellence will once again be celebrating the best tourism businesses in the county, from hotels to food producers. While the Computing Security Awards will recognise the IT solution providers who have helped to counter cyber security threats. I would urge local businesses to enter these awards as a great opportunity to profile your business and recognise the exceptional work of your team.
