Featured News
Skills for Employment funding follows launch of council's Careers Strategy 2020-2025
The councillors' approval this week of an annual injection of £250,000 into Skills for Employment underlines the county council's commitment to giving the people of Warwickshire, of all ages and backgrounds, the best possible career opportunities while providing employers with a conveyor-belt of talent.
Warwickshire County Council this week backed up its new Careers Strategy with further funding with the approval of an annual £250,000 for the Skills for Employment programme.
The funding will enable the programme to build upon its track record of excellent success since its inception five years ago.
It has already awarded £3,000 annual grants totalling more than £500,000 to schools and colleges and more than £1 million to large, innovative projects where business and education have collaborated to achieve a major change.
Most recently, as Skills for Employment continues to goes from strength to strength, £40,000 has been invested in a new My World of Work programme, launched in January. This will provide hundreds of Year 10 pupils from schools across the county with opportunities to work with businesses from several sectors to discover what it’s like to work in a wide range of roles.
The councillors' approval this week of an annual injection of £250,000 into Skills for Employment underlines the county council's commitment to giving the people of Warwickshire, of all ages and backgrounds, the best possible career opportunities while providing employers with a conveyor-belt of talent.
That commitment is enshrined in the recently published Warwickshire County Council's Careers Strategy 2020-2025.
Following the publication of the National Careers Strategy in 2017, it was felt that a more localised and bespoke strategy for Warwickshire was needed to build on the county's already strong economy and high employment-levels.
The strategy, developed with advice from a range of partners and stakeholders from business and education, is comprehensive. It sets out the council's plans to support young people, adults and more vulnerable residents such as those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities who wish to move into employment.
It is also designed to be flexible and forward-looking, promoting the skills that will power the economy into the future at a time when workplaces are changing as rapidly as the technology which drives it evolves.
Warwickshire County Council Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Education & Learning Cllr Colin Hayfield said: "Businesses often talk to us about skills shortages, the difficulties they face in finding and employing people with the right skill-sets and the negative impact this has on the growth of their business.
"Effective careers and employability advice are critical components of a successful local labour market. The Warwickshire Careers Strategy sets out our ambitions to work with our partners to develop and deliver coherent, effective and locally relevant careers and employability advice and support."
To see the Warwickshire Careers Strategy in full, please click here.
My World of Work 2020 hits the ground running
"My World of Work 2020 will help to ensure that our young people are ready to step into the workplace and play their part in driving the county's economy forward."
An exciting new initiative has been launched to bring young people, education and businesses together to explore the world of work.
Warwickshire County Council’s My World of Work 2020 programme will give Year 10 pupils the opportunity to engage with up to 100 employers across Warwickshire.
The programme aims to help young people build an understanding of the different sectors, career pathways and progression routes which will support them in building their future career.
It will offer an opportunity for pupils who are moving towards GCSE year to participate in activities that offer personal development in the classroom. Individuals will be supported to identify their own personal attributes, build confidence, prepare job applications, develop CVs and sit mock interviews.
Warwickshire businesses will play an important part in the programme and 100 companies, spanning ten sectors, are set to come on board. Employers are being invited to join the programme and showcase the careers they have to offer whilst also demonstrating the employability skills they look for when offering young people job opportunities.
Employers can support in many different ways, from industry talks to hosting interactive sessions at their own site.
The programme’s first event took place during National Apprenticeship Week at North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College when 200 15-year-olds from a number of schools networked with employers.
Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Leader of Warwickshire County Council and portfolio holder for economic development said: "When speaking to local businesses we learnt that one of the main obstacles to future growth was a skills shortage.
"The Skills for Employment programme has helped to give 30,000 young people access to valuable work experience. My World of Work 2020 is taking this to the next level where we target business sectors and encourage young people of all abilities, backgrounds and interests to be inspired and give them a focus for a future career. The availability of a skilled workforce is key to the county's growth in future years.
"My World of Work 2020 will help to ensure that our young people are ready to step into the workplace and play their part in driving the county's economy forward."
Workshops for year 10s cover a range of employability skills, including how to speak to businesses, how to prepare a CV and key questions to ask. Pupils attending the launch event will already have completed a workshop to ensure they are fully prepared to make the most of it.
Fay Winterburn, the County Council's business skills lead, added: “It is a great way for employers to be able to engage with young people and this event will be the first of many, with employers hosting events too. We hope it will provide a really positive outcome for young people as to what the world of work looks like.”
Fay said that the aim is for 10 employers from 10 different sectors to come on board - 100 in total.
She said: “One hundred employers, large and small, across Warwickshire will be part of this. We recognise the importance of large employers on our patch and the great opportunities which sit behind the big names, but we also feel it it is really important for small businesses, who actually make up over 80% of our economy, to also have the opportunity and support to showcase the future careers they have to offer and the important part they play in wider supply chains and the Warwickshire economy."
Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce is a partner and sponsoring the business and finance sector. The chamber is also assisting with the production of marketing materials and the programme’s website.
The chamber’s involvement is part of a national British Chambers of Commerce initiative - Business Showcase Days - which aims to demonstrate how chambers of commerce across the country are linking local businesses to their communities: Fay said the chamber’s support was a huge boost and that it is hoped the programme, which is starting this year, will become a permanent one.
Buoyant Warwickshire tourist sector set to hit record levels in 2020
"The sustained popularity of our county has a lot to do with the enterprise and hard work of our businesses and communities and the warm welcome they offer to visitors, providing a tourist experience which means that many visitors end their stay in the county intending to come back."
The latest tourism economic impact figures for Warwickshire show the county is strongly-placed to capitalise on a predicted record year for inbound tourism to the UK in 2020.
Forecasts from VisitBritain, the national tourism agency, indicate that 2020 will be a record year for the UK with spending by overseas visitors predicted to reach a record £26.6 billion, up by 6.6% on 2019.
The number of overseas visits to the UK is forecast to rise to 39.7 million, the highest ever and an increase of 2.9% on 2019.
The figures are highly encouraging after all the uncertainty surrounding Brexit and the very positive national outlook is matched locally in Warwickshire. The latest figures for the county reflect the buoyant national forecasts for sustained growth in the year ahead.
Each year Warwickshire County Council commissions an independent Tourism Economic Impact Assessment to measure the sector’s contribution to the county’s economy. The most recent report (2018) shows new record levels of jobs and income generated by the industry.
In 2018, tourism was worth an estimated £1.272 billion to the Warwickshire economy and accounted for some 23,000 jobs - a 13% increase on the previous year. Almost 17 million trips to the county were recorded. Most of these were day visits but the number of visitors staying overnight was boosted by 10% year on year, reaching 4.7 million bed nights for the first time.
Alex Holmes, Warwickshire County Council’s Visitor Economy Manager, believes the findings are hugely encouraging - and underline the enduring global appeal of the county's rich, historic and diverse tourist sector.
“We are delighted that tourism in Warwickshire continues to prosper and, despite the recent uncertainties about Brexit, shows every sign of achieving new records in the coming years," he said. "National indicators are bullish for the year ahead.
"In Warwickshire we are fortunate to have so many fantastic tourist attractions and the lure of the likes of Shakespeare and our many castles and stately homes remain a huge draw.
"But, beyond that, the sustained popularity of our county has a lot to do with the enterprise and hard work of our businesses and communities and the warm welcome they offer to visitors, providing a tourist experience which means that many visitors end their stay in the county intending to come back."
Coventry & Warwckshire leading the way in foreign direct investment
"We are at the forefront of future industries so foreign investors are confident in the region’s ability to respond quickly to changes in the markets.”
Nearly 15,000 jobs have been created in Coventry and Warwickshire over the last five years through investment projects – putting the region at the top of the charts for foreign direct investment.
The figures from the European Cities of the Future 2020/21 reveal Coventry and Warwickshire continues to be a leading location for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), with more than 2,500 new jobs secured in the region in the 12 months to March 2019 while 14,554 jobs have been created from 216 investment projects over the last five years.
Coventry and Warwickshire achieved nearly 50 successful projects during the 12-month period to March 2019, with major investors including Comau, Jaguar Land Rover, Martin Brower, Hyundai Engineering, Kuehne and Nagel and Microsoft Xbox.
The report also highlighted the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) was first of the 38 LEPs in England for its FDI strategy, the third placed LEP for business friendliness and fourth for economic potential.
The success will be marked at a presentation at MIPIM – the world’s biggest property development and investment show – in March.
The Coventry and Warwickshire MIPIM Partnership, made up of companies and organisations who represent the area, attends the event which attracts 30,000 delegates.
Cllr Izzi Seccombe, leader of Warwickshire County Council, said: “The increase in foreign investment has not happened by accident. And even better news is that much of the work that has been going on is going to benefit the region in future years as well as now.
“We actively promote key sectors and Warwickshire is home to Silicon Spa, the hub of creative industries, which employs over 2,500 people with that number expected to grow.
“The region is also home to some of the most innovative vehicle design, specifically electronic vehicles, battery and energy storage and Connected Autonomous Vehicle technologies. We are at the forefront of future industries so foreign investors are confident in the region’s ability to respond quickly to changes in the markets.”
Jonathan Browning, chair of the CWLEP, said it was great to see Coventry and Warwickshire remained a leading Midlands and UK destination for inward investment.
He said: “It is vital to attract inward investment for the future of Coventry and Warwickshire’s economy and we have much to continue to build on.
“Coventry and Warwickshire is a key UK centre of vehicle design, testing and engineering, and we are especially strong in electric vehicles, battery and energy storage and Connected Autonomous Vehicle technologies.
“Later this year, the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre will open which will build on the existing R&D and technology site pipeline of over £1 billion that we have in the area.
“Partnership working is key to the success of our FDI strategy and we have strong links with the Department for International Trade, Midlands Engine, the West Midlands Combined Authority, industry and two leading research universities at Coventry University and the University of Warwick."
Young people in Nuneaton see how Careers Strategy is working for them
" Our Careers Strategy focuses not only on supporting our young people as they prepare for employment, but it also recognises that we have an adult population who may want to re-enter the workplace, change careers, or progress at work during their working life."
Young people from Nuneaton, not currently in education, employment or training (NEET), recently saw how Warwickshire County Council’s new Careers Strategy could help them enter the world of work.
At an event designed to demonstrate the council’s Careers Strategy in action, young people found out how the ‘Let’s Make’ space at Nuneaton Library can help them find the right jobs and training opportunities.
The young people who attend the PET-Xi Skills Hub in Nuneaton, were shown around the Let’s Make range of inspiring activities which include: robotics, coding and programming, 3D design and printing, animation and film making, sewing, embroidery and crafting, together with music creation and soundscapes. They tried their hands at virtual and augmented reality and created fabulous photos using green screen technology.
The County Council’s Careers Strategy reflects the council’s commitment to ensuring that all residents, whatever their age, or abilities, are supported in fulfilling their potential. Libraries can play a key role in this, helping people find the right support, training and opportunities in their search for employment.
Vicky, aged 25 from Nuneaton, said: “I’ve not been here before, but I really like it. It allows you to dip your toe in the water and try out new things such as the green screen technology, 3D printing and virtual reality, without buying the kit yourself! It gives you inspiration of what can be achieved. I’ll definitely come back!”
Cllr Colin Hayfield, Warwickshire's County Council's Portfolio Holder for Education and Learning said: “It’s been wonderful to meet some of our young people and see how the Let’s Make space at Nuneaton Library can have such a positive impact. All libraries can offer vital support and can signpost people looking for job opportunities.
“But the Let’s Make services and resources based in three Warwickshire libraries add an extra dimension. They offer access to the latest digital technologies and equipment allowing people to develop their knowledge and expertise and make things in different ways, offering new digital learning opportunities.
“We are committed to ensuring that all our young people have access to the information and training opportunities they need to flourish. Our Careers Strategy focuses not only on supporting our young people as they prepare for employment, but it also recognises that we have an adult population who may want to re-enter the workplace, change careers, or progress at work during their working life.
"We are placing a significant focus on supporting our more vulnerable residents, such as those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to move into employment. We also give special consideration to residents with mental health needs and the resources available to support them in the workplace.”
One of the Careers Strategy’s key benefits is providing a wide range of supporting information and advice in one place. New web pages on the County Council’s website contain all the information needed for anyone wishing to find out how they can progress. Whether they are a young person; a parent; an adult looking to retrain; a care leaver; or a business planning to recruit or develop its existing workforce – they will be directed to the relevant information and support available.
This includes information about Prospects who can provide careers advice and guidance to young people aged 16-18 and not in employment, education or training. Prospects can also help young people find training and support to find a job or get back into education.
For more information about the new Careers Strategy please visit the new web pages: https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/careerssupport
For more information about Let’s Make please visit: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/letsmake
Games Hub will create 500 new jobs in the next two years
"It is wonderful to see the Games Hub going from strength to strength to the benefit of not only its own sector but the wider local economy."
The vibrant Leamington Spa Games Hub in Warwickshire is set to create 500 new game development jobs over the next two years, opening up huge opportunities for young people and graduates in the Midlands region and beyond.
Research carried out amongst local video games companies within the Leamington Spa area was conducted as the town hosted the second Interactive Futures conference & expo – a celebration of the talent and culture within the area.
The figures regarding the significant job opportunities within the area arrived on the back of further excellent news for Warwickshire - the publication of video games industry trade body Ukie’s Regional Impact Report (https://ukie.org.uk/regional-economic-report) which revealed Leamington Spa as one of the largest games hubs within the UK games ecosystem.
The highly-anticipated report took a look at where the UK games industry clusters are centred, highlighting the growth of individual regions, the jobs that have been created and the impact those areas have had on the country’s games output.
It lists eight towns and cities in the UK where the games industry generates over £60m in GVA – they are Leamington Spa, Edinburgh, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Crawley & Horsham, Manchester, Guildford, Slough & Heathrow and London.
Leamington Spa’s status on the national and international game development scene was celebrated at the Interactive Futures conference on January 31 and February 1 with locally-based studios SEGA HARDlight, NaturalMotion, Playground Games, Sumo Digital and Mediatonic among the exhibitors at the Royal Spa Centre in Newbold Terrace.
The organisers of Interactive Futures conducted a poll of the leading local games development studios to help understand the careers and employment opportunities that will emerge over the next two years.
In terms of jobs types, the top five roles being sought are: Artists, designers, producers, programmers, engineers. But the range of careers on offer extends beyond technical and creative disciplines and into worlds of marketing, HR, administration, community support and more.
Warwickshre County Council's assistant drector (communities) Dave Ayton-Hill said: "It is nothing new that the Leamington Spa Games Hub is such an exceptional and widely-renowned centre of excellence - it has been for some years. But it is wonderful to see the Games Hub going from strength to strength to the benefit of not only its own sector but the wider local economy.
"This region is fortunate to have centres of excellence across a number of sectors and 'Silicon Spa' continues to lead the way in theirs wth the knock-on positive effect to the town, district and region."
Sarah Windrum, chair of the CWLEP Digital Creative Business Group, said: “Leamington Spa is representative of the ‘roots’ of the UK video games community, an industry that contributes around £2.8 billion in GVA to the UK economy. The region boasts some of the ‘godfathers’ of the global games sector and it is testament to the talent and creativity of the area that we are continuing to attract businesses to the region –all keen to benefit from the buzz that Leamington Spa’s games circle has to offer.
“It’s rare to hear of such a flurry of new job opportunities in one place, so the news that here in Leamington Spa we’ll have up to 500 new vacancies is great for the region and the local community.”
Top names in Games share their expertise at Festival
"I attended with my 16-year-old brother who really wants a career in gaming and wow! You would be hard pushed to find a nicer, more welcoming industry of people who love what they do and want to inspire the next generation."
Hundreds of students, children and parents rubbed shoulders with leading names in the video games industry at the Interactive Futures festival at the Royal Spa Centre.
A celebration of the wealth of talent within the Leamington Spa Games Hub, the festival was a roaring success as visitors learned what the region has to offer in terms of both careers to local people and to the wider games industry.
On the first day of the event, games industry professionals attended to network, connect and learn about the rich seam of games development talent in the region. Leading names in games development present included Playground Games, Sumo Digital, SEGAHardlight, NaturalMotion, Codemasters, Electric Square, Ubisoft, Rebellion and Kwalee.
Mediatonic, one of the UK’s leading development companies, with offices in London, Brighton and Madrid, used Interactive Futures to announce that it will be opening a Leamington Spa studio, creating over 60 jobs by 2022 in the area.
A conference programme through the day saw Dr Jo Twist, CEO of games industry trade body Ukie, discuss the findings of its Regional Impact Report, which showed Leamington Spa as the biggest games hub in the UK outside London and Slough. Games industry legends John and Brenda Romero – founders of the BAFTA Award-winning studio Romero Games – provided a keynote talk, whilst other key themes covered included: What next for the games industry after Brexit?; Diversity and Inclusion in video games; and Investment options for independent studios.
On the festival's second day, careers and young people were the key focus. Packed conference sessions saw students, parents and their children discover: Beyond Coding: Why there’s a career in games for everyone; What skills and qualifications are required for a career in games?; and How young developers made it in the industry.
Alongside the conference, attendees were able to talk to the local games studios about their career choices in the Interactive Futures Expo area, whilst taking part in workshops and other video games activities.
Feedback was incredibly positive, with one delegate stating: “I attended with my 16-year-old brother who really wants a career in gaming and wow! You would be hard pushed to find a nicer, more welcoming industry of people who love what they do and want to inspire the next generation. The speakers were fantastic too. We all left inspired by a very talented and friendly bunch of people.”
Interactive Futures was funded by Warwickshire County Council, Warwick District Council and the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership with the support of local industry.
Sarah Windrum, chair of the CWLEP Digital Creative Business Group, said it was a brilliant event which covered the many different areas of the gaming industry.The games industry throughout the Leamington Spa region continues to thrive and events such as this are a practical way of showcasing the varied careers which are available to young people as well as highlighting the great work that is going on in this part of Warwickshire.
“The two days were jam-packed with activities and it was heartening to see so many students and their parents talking to representatives from the games development studios and looking so enthused.”
Buoyant Rugby businesses bucking the trend
"Across a number of key indicators, it is a very positive, bright picture for Rugby and the surrounding borough" - Sunny Parekh
Rugby’s economy is growing much faster than the national average, a key business meeting has been told.
The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Rugby branch met at the Draycote Hotel and as well as being an opportunity for local companies to raise concerns, it also heard from Sunny Parekh, senior economist at Warwickshire County Council.
Sunny told the meeting that Rugby was the third largest economy in Warwickshire and that it contributed 16 per cent of economic activity to the county as a whole.
Businesses heard how the borough’s economy had grown by 30 per cent since 2009, which was faster than the national average, and how its performance across measures such as business start-ups and employment were ‘bucking the trend’.
Sunny said: “Across a number of key indicators, it is a very positive, bright picture for Rugby and the surrounding borough. In many areas, Rugby’s growth is bucking the national trend. On a county-wide basis, it makes up 44 per cent of the total of Warwickshire’s transport and logistics sector but it is also seeing strong growth in other sectors too, such as manufacturing and engineering.”
Also at the meeting was Mark Pawsey MP who said the statistics on Rugby’s economy were very positive.
“It is great to hear that the Borough is performing so strongly on a range of measures but it comes as no surprise to me when you consider what a great place this is to do business. As well as the positives, it was good to hear from businesses and from the Chamber around some of the areas where companies believe the Government can do more to unlock growth potential.
“I will be feeding some of that back and, also, look forward to the Chancellor’s first Budget in March.”
Peter Burns, a past president of the Chamber, chaired the meeting and said there are exciting times ahead for Rugby.
He said: “There is a very positive outlook for Rugby and that was reflected at the branch meeting. The Chamber will always speak up on behalf of companies across the area and it’s great to be able to have our voice heard by our MPs and the local authorities.”
Small retailers getting together to boost their collectve profile
“Being an independent retailer means it can be hard sometimes to get out and network with your peers, so it was great to bring everyone together and they really started to bounce ideas off each other both in terms of social media and general marketing tips."
Independent retailers across Warwickshire are joining forces to support each other’s attempts to attract more customers.
On behalf of Warwickshire County Council, the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has started delivering free digital support to help independent retailers across the county increase trade, as part of the Warwickshire Towns Network Programme.
Business owners across the whole of Warwickshire are being given advice on how to use social media, how to enhance in-store shopping experiences to counter the functionality of online retail, and how to build better digital networks in their local area.
Local company, Stories Marketing – which has a background in retail and expertise in social media – started delivering the series of free workshops in January in Rugby, Nuneaton, Leamington and Stratford.
And, on the back of the first workshops, several retailers across the county have already formed an online group to offer each other tips and support on how to grow.
Sam Yair, of Stories Marketing, encouraged local retailers to find out more about the remaining workshops to be held in February and March.
She said: “The first workshops were a great success. We had a good variety of retailers – some of which had a working knowledge of social media but wanted tips on how to improve, while others had never really dipped their toe into the water.
“Everyone has taken something away that they can implement in their own business to drive footfall, but what has really emerged is just how beneficial the retailers have found it to be in a room with one another.
“Being an independent retailer means it can be hard sometimes to get out and network with your peers, so it was great to bring everyone together and they really started to bounce ideas off each other both in terms of social media and general marketing tips.
“So I’d urge retailers to make sure they attend the final two workshops in the programme. There is also the opportunity for us to go and see the business in action, visit their premises and provide free on site one to one advisory support so they can put into practice what they have learnt.”
Dates for Session three – The digital future for retail businesses - are:
Stratford: Tuesday 17 March, 9.30am-1pm
Leamington: Tuesday 17 March, 5-8.30pm
Nuneaton: Monday 23 March, 10am-1.30pm
Rugby: Wednesday 15 March, 9.30am-1pm.
For more information please visit http://towncentres.eventbrite.com or contact Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce on 02476 654321 (Option 4).
BMW Group apprenticeships launched at learning event for teachers
Teachers and careers advisors gathered at an event at BMW Group’s Hams Hall engine manufacturing plant in North Warwickshire to see the company launch its 2020 apprenticeship opportunities.
More than 30 apprenticeship places are on offer at BMW Group UK’s production site, with around a third of those places in technical roles, based at Hams Hall.
Teachers were invited to spend the afternoon at the engine production plant to learn in more detail about a BMW Group apprenticeship. A plant tour kick-started the event so they could see first-hand the modern, state-of-the-art manufacturing environment.
Presentations were then given by current apprentices alongside those who have completed an apprenticeship and are now enjoying success in their full-time roles.
Simon Farrall, Head of Apprentice and Associate Training for BMW Group UK, said: “A place on our apprenticeship programme is a fantastic way of fast-tracking a career here at the BMW Group.
"The pace of technological change, product innovation and the electrification of new vehicles makes it a really exciting time for new apprentices to be joining us. Working in some of the most advanced manufacturing locations in the UK, alongside some of the most experienced people in the industry, we’re looking for applicants with the motivation and ideas to drive our company forward.”
BMW Apprenticeships last between two and four years and cover a wide range of areas to help equip people with the skills they need for a successful career in the automotive sector.
Apprentice training leads to a Level Two or a Level Three Competency Qualification, while some young people will have the opportunity to progress right through to degree level in the course of their career depending on their performance.
Depending on the role, applicants will need a minimum of four or five GCSEs at Grade 3 or 5 or above, including Maths and English. For engineering and business degree apprenticeships, applicants will also need relevant higher qualifications, which will be outlined in each job advert.
For full entry requirements visit the following link: https://www.bmwgroup.jobs/uk
Entries are open until 28th February, but early applications are advised.
Jonathan Browning to stand down after "invaluable" service to CWLEP
"Jonathan has played a vital role in helping the Coventry and Warwickshire economy develop so strongly in recent years."
Chair of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) Jonathan Browning will stand down when his current term of office ends this spring.
Mr Browning, who joined the organisation in 2014, will hand over the reins in April.
He will also relinquish his roles as chair of the CWLEP Programme Delivery Board, being a member of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Board and chair of the WMCA’s Strategic Economic Development Board.
Mr Browning is a globally-recognised figure in the automotive industry and joined the CWLEP after three years as President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America. His career has spanned the breadth of the industry across multiple countries and regions, working in locations ranging from Turkey to Switzerland and from Germany to the USA, as well as numerous parts of the UK.
He said: “When I returned to Warwickshire and joined the CWLEP in 2014, my impression was that the area had many strengths but there wasn’t a joined-up approach and that was holding us back from realising our potential.
“That is no longer the case as there is much greater collaboration between the private and public sector which has led to tangible success which is moving Coventry and Warwickshire’s economy forward.
“A perfect example is the partnership working between the CWLEP, Coventry City Council and WMG at the University of Warwick which led to the area winning a competition to build the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre which will open near Coventry next spring.
“The CWLEP has also made great strides over the last six years as we have been identified as one of the top three LEPs in the country and we have now attracted more than £330 million of funding to Coventry and Warwickshire.
“I would like to thank the CWLEP’s executive team, the voluntary hard work of our board of directors and business groups and the support of our partners in local authorities, business organisations and companies across the area over the last six years.”
Mr Browning has been widely praised for his work during his time at the helm of the CWLEP.
Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Leader of Warwickshire County Council, said: “Jonathan has played a vital role in helping the Coventry and Warwickshire economy develop so strongly in recent years.
“He has been a very positive chair who has overseen and helped foster a very strong bond between all partners from different areas and sectors, to help ensure that we achieve shared aims for the good of the area and that our voice is heard at a wider regional and national level.
“That leadership will be sorely missed, but he leaves us in a very strong position to continue to make a positive impact for all our residents and businesses.”
Prof Sir Ralf Speth, Jaguar Land Rover Chief Executive, said: “We have worked very closely with the CWLEP over recent years and appreciate its work supporting Jaguar Land Rover’s activities in Coventry and Warwickshire. The LEP has been a driving force in the local and regional economy, ensuring that this area punches above its weight at national and international level.
“Jonathan Browning perfectly understands the industrial and commercial mix of this area and his background at a high level in the global automotive industry has been invaluable. He has been a real champion for growth, with very tangible results, particularly in the important field of R&D and engineering.”
Nick Abell, vice-chair of the CWLEP, said the CWLEP has made great strides under Jonathan’s leadership.
He said: “Jonathan’s drive, vision and ambition has been instrumental in creating an area which is making a real difference to the benefit of those who live and work in Coventry and Warwickshire.
“He has been an excellent leader over the last six years and we have benefited from his business acumen and I would like to thank him for his voluntary contribution in taking the area forward on many levels.
“We are now tasked with finding his replacement and with Coventry being UK City of Culture in 2021 followed by the Commonwealth Games in 2022, there are many exciting opportunities on the horizon that we must maximise for the benefit of Coventry and Warwickshire.”
For further information, please click on the following link: https://www.gatenbysanderson.com/job/GSe61399/chair-67/