Hello and welcome to the March edition of Warwickshire Means Business.

This month we are delighted to feature Warwickshire Supported Employment Service (WSES) and the wonderful work they do from their home in Warwickshire Skills Hub, at Eliot Park Innovation Centre, Nuneaton. In just two years since their foundation, WSES has become established as a brilliant bridge between jobseekers with SEND and employers.  This was recently recognised by resounding commendations from an independent assessor. Many thanks to all involved for the wonderful work they do. Warmest congratulations go to them and also to one of the businesses with whom they have closely engaged, LISI Aerospace, in Rugby.  LISI Aerospace have just received the British Association for Supported Employment Social Value Award for their commitment to inclusivity...another wonderful achievement!

In this month’s WMB we also hear how support from the Local Communities and Enterprise Fund has helped North Warwickshire business 'Aspire and Thrive' to increase their important work in the community. The LCE Fund is delivered for the County Council through Coventry & Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust whose great work includes helping to break down the barriers which women-led businesses still face.

Little by little. those barriers are starting to come down and we hear from Helen Ali about how great mentors helped her build a career in engineering. Warwickshire County Council has a proud history of offering engineering apprenticeships through which, I’m pleased to say, many women have advanced to make important contributions to the communities we serve.

Sustainability features heavily this month with a range of articles including information about available energy advice workshops and support for SMEs in the food value chain.  The business support provided by Warwickshire County Council and our partners in the region continues to help our county’s vast range of SMEs. This month alone we tell the stories of a bridal boutique in Warwick, a supplier to the nuclear industry in Rugby, an aerospace manufacturer in Alcester and a wine cellar in Shipston! The breadth of Warwickshire’s business reach is truly astonishing and we do our very best to ensure that our business support remains relevant and accessible to those in every sector.

Please click on the links in the articles for more information or visit  https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/business-support and https://skillshub.warwickshire.gov.uk/