Skills Hub offer outlined at Chamber meeting

“We were extremely grateful to Heather for joining us at the branch meeting and it was great to hear that there is some incredible support on offer."

Businesses in mid-Warwickshire have been urged ask for support if they are unable to find people with the right skills to help them grow.

Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce held its mid-Warwickshire branch meeting at the Holiday Inn in Kenilworth and a range of topics were discussed.

The event was chaired by Chamber president Tom Mongan and heard how businesses across the area are faring in the current climate.

Skills remains a key issue for many and the meeting heard from Heather Docksey, of Warwickshire County Council, who explained how Warwickshire Skills Hub can support businesses in their search for staff.

Tom Mongan said firms should ask for help if they are unable to fill roles that will support their growth.

He said: “We were extremely grateful to Heather for joining us at the branch meeting and it was great to hear that there is some incredible support on offer. I’d urge businesses who want to grow – but can’t find the right people – to speak up and ask for help.

“They can talk to the team at the Chamber if they need advice and, also, see how the Warwickshire Skills Hub can support them as they offer a very wide-ranging service.

“It’s great that they are looking at different ways to help solve the skills crisis but also looking at how they can support people who may have barriers to employment find work.”

The meeting also discussed more long-term solutions for the skills issue.

Tom added: “There were lots of views on skills and how we train and equip people for the future of the workplace. The Chamber has done some great work on the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) and, with this being given the green light recently, it could be the first step on the way to solving an issue that has been around for many, many years.”