The Worcestershire LEP Virtual Conference 2020 was split across 5 days from 12th to 16th October.
Each day of the week long programme had a special focus topic which guided the content that was shared on that day.
Every day started with an ‘Expresso Update’. This short update, available as both a video and written piece was by Chief Executive Gary Woodman and gave an overview on the subject for the day with links to various content pieces to watch and engage with to gain a better understanding of background to each topic, explaining what the WLEP and partners are working towards.
The main focus each day was the ‘Making Connections’ feature. This was an hour long special where Gary was joined by various guests to discuss in detail what we achieved, what the future development looks like and why this work is important to organisations across the county.
Details on the sessions with some background information and the speaker breakdown is available using the sections below. Within these sections, the Making Connections feature episodes can be accessed through the WLEP’s YouTube Channel.
If you have any questions around the 2020 Virtual Conference, please contact the team by emailing enquiries@wlep.co.uk.
Skills & Employment
Skills & Employment – Monday 12th October
Background: Skills and Recruitment are a challenge for many businesses as they look to grow and expand their operations. Having people with the right skills can be a concern and often difficult. Worcestershire LEP works with a plethora of partners around the county to help businesses efficiently build their future workforce with programmes supporting careers advice in schools, promoting apprenticeships, internships and much more.
Speakers:
 |
Judy Chadwick Director of Skills – Worcestershire LEP |
 |
Luke Payton Headteacher – St Bede’s Middle School |
|
Pippa Dressler-Pearson Project Manager – QinetiQ |
 |
Alex Price PR & Communications Coordinator – Worcestershire LEP |
 |
Stuart Laverick Chief Principle – Heart of Worcestershire College |
 |
Ben Mannion Director – Hewett Recruitment |
 |
Kul Sanghara Business Account Manager – Worcestershire Growth Hub |
Watch the feature episode here
Healthy Worcestershire
Healthy Worcestershire – Tuesday 13th October
Background: The last few months have put many new challenges on businesses which has required them to adapt in order to survive and evolve. Within this day we will be exploring how the Worcestershire business community has adapted, what the trends are suggesting and how organisations can continue to operate safely with COVID restrictions in place.
Speakers:
 |
Phoebe Dawson Director of Investment and Partnerships – Worcestershire LEP |
|
Samantha McCarthy Worcester BID |
 |
Kath Cobain Director – Public Health West Midlands |
|
Dale Parmenter DRPG |
|
Helen Smith Severn Valley Railway |
|
Nick Corley Department for International Trade |
 |
John Dillon Managing Director – GJS Dillon |
Watch the feature episode here
Digital and Physical Infrastructure
Digital and Physical Infrastructure – Wednesday 14th October
Background: The Worcestershire LEP and partners are keen to try and improve both the digital and physical connectivity of the county to ensure Worcestershire is a connected county. Numerous schemes have been delivered to help achieve this and future projects have been identified to help take the county to the next level.
Speakers:
 |
Luke Willetts Deputy CEO – Worcestershire LEP |
 |
Rachel Hill Worcestershire County Council |
 |
David Throup Environmental Agency |
|
Chris Walker QinetiQ |
|
Steve Ashton Broadband Connectivity – Worcestershire County Council |
|
Andy Mckenzie Project Manager – Worcestershire 5G Testbed |
Watch the feature episode here
Future Economy
Future Economy – Thursday 15th October
Background: The future is always an interesting topic for organisations to think about. Worcestershire’s economy will change going forward and the Worcestershire LEP and partners are working to help ensure businesses are supported through this and that dynamic businesses can lead in innovation for the region. This all helps to promote Worcestershire at the forefront for the region in terms of innovation and as a great place for all.
Speakers:
 |
Linda Smith CEO of BetaDen & Director of Enterprise – Worcestershire LEP |
 |
Matt Atkinson Utelize |
 |
Carl Arntzen CEO – Worcester Bosch |
 |
Anna Wardell-Hill Bromsgrove District Council |
 |
Simon Hyde CEO – Faun Zoeller |
 |
Randesh Kalar Business Account Manager – Worcestershire Growth Hub |
 |
Sharon Smith CEO – Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce |
 |
Julia Williams Chair – Worcestershire Ambassadors |
Watch the feature episode here
One Worcestershire
One Worcestershire – Friday 16th October
Background: The final day of the Worcestershire LEP Virtual Conference will be looking closely at the overall achievements for the last 12 months across Worcestershire. From both the Worcestershire LEP and partners, we will reflect and outline how we are carrying that momentum forward to achieve our 2040 Vision.
Speakers:
|
Luke Willetts Director of Operations |
|
Phoebe Dawson Director of Investment & Partnerships |
|
Linda Smith CEO – BetaDen & Director of Enterprise |
|
Judy Chadwick Director of Skills |
 |
Mark Stansfeld Chair |
Watch the feature episode here