Worcestershire Broadband Latest
Worcestershire has been awarded £3.35 million - more information
here
Apprenticeship take up has been good says LEP chairman
Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership has praised the way the county has pulled together on apprenticeships.
Chairman, Peter Pawsey, has highlighted the Worcester News 100 in 100 campaign as "the sort of excellent initiative which has been driving the skills agenda".
Employers across the board had shown "strong engagement" with Government programmes.
Indeed 2010-11 had seen a 30 per cent jump in the number of apprentices but because Worcestershire was behind the national average and hence with catching up to do, it meant the Worcester News campaign was even more important.
The on-going project launched last year aimed to tackle record youth unemployment levels, linking with the National Apprenticeship Service to secure 100 apprentice positions in Worcestershire companies in 100 days. It quickly far exceeded the milestone and is continuing to see successes.
Mr Pawsey said:
"This has been a great campaign by the paper.
"Companies are benefiting and young people are getting the chance of knowledge and work. It has been a win-win and much to the credit of the News.
"This has got many in the community thinking about apprenticeships and the benefits and opportunities they can bring. Unemployment among young people is far too high and we welcome all ways in which it can be brought down."
The campaign, which was also supported by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, Worcestershire County Council and Skills for Security, saw positions offered in construction, hospitality, recruitment, childcare, even a dental laboratory and a barber's shop.
Mr Pawsey said: "In the past lack of skills has held back the West Midlands generally, restricting economic growth.
"Worcestershire too has had its issues.
"But the Government has taken a very positive position on apprenticeships, with a series of pledges, programmes and targets.
"In Worcestershire the response from employers has been impressive and, in conjunction with Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire Training Providers Association we must use this as a springboard to further address the needs of both business and young people. A skilled workforce is vital if we are going to take the county forward.
"One of our key priorities is to encourage the creation of more apprenticeships in sectors where there are skills gaps in the local economy. And that particularly applies to advanced apprenticeships such as in manufacturing, hospitality, the digital economy and IT, creative industries and construction.
"In doing so we are working on improving information advice and guidance to employers thinking of taking on an apprentice."
He went on: "My one concern is the number of agencies involved in the skills arena – there are a lot.
"And the message reaching us is coordination on the ground needs improving.
"Working with the various organisations and stakeholders Worcestershire LEP intends to do all it can to ensure bottlenecks and red tape do not get in the way, so persuading many more employers to recruit young people."
Worcestershire businesses urged to grab a grant
Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership is urging firms to take advantage of further Government pump-priming cash.
And, in particular, it is highlighting two initiatives – phase three of the £1.4 billion Regional Growth Fund and the new £125 million Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative.
"These are terrific opportunities for companies looking to expand
and grow," said LEP chairman Peter Pawsey.
"Worcestershire has a good record of winning RGF bids. I want to
see that extended, and we need a similar response on the supply
chain side."
The county was successful in round one of the RGF with £17.5
million allocated to Worcester Technology Park, a huge tonic for the
local economy. It is hoped the scheme for land east of the M5 at J6
will ultimately result in the creation of up to 1,700 jobs over the next
5-10 years.
Phase two of RGF allowed Blackpole-based group Aeromet International to win £1.7 million towards an £11.4 million project to help market a new cast aluminium alloy, A20X, which has applications in the aerospace, automotive, defence, nuclear, marine and specialist engineering markets.
The strongest cast aluminium alloy commercially available, among other benefits it offers improved corrosion resistance, extended fatigue life and weight saving potential.
The money will allow Aeromet International, working with partners in Bolton and Rotherham together with Warwick and Birmingham universities, to bring the alloy to the market quicker.
Mr Pawsey said: "Both Worcester Technology Park and Aeromet's new alloy will develop high end manufacturing while producing badly needed skilled jobs.
"Now companies have another chance to benefit. We have been working with businesses to identify appropriate schemes. Others who may be interested need to come forward – we can provide information and support."
The closing date for Regional Growth Fund 3 is June 13.
The Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative has the same deadline and is being delivered by Birmingham City Council and the Technology Strategy Board.
With up to £125 million from the RGF and Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, it offers a flexible package of grants and loans to help improve global competitiveness. It will back the purchase of capital equipment, research and development which improves manufacturing equipment, systems or processes, and specific training and skills development to support the project.
Mr Pawsey said: "Applications have to be of a sufficient size to make a significant impact on supply chains.
"Companies with good ideas and technological aspirations, but who perhaps have not had the resources to develop these ambitions, now have the chance. They should take it."
Wychavon Communications Publication
For your pdf of Communicate
Brand New Malvern Website Launched
The latest magazine and website, launched by Malvern businesswoman, Sashca McDonald, aims to bring every to one site to find out what's going on across the Malvern Hills District.
Visit the site today to see what's happening in the area and to submit your own events for inclusion.
Worcestershire Student Awarded FSB Business Scholarship
Helen Batchelor beat a high scoring field
of University of Worcester Business
School students to scoop the very first
FSB Worcestershire Business
Scholarship Award.Helen, who is studying to become a Chartered Accountant, throught the University's Business Management and Accountancy course,
will keep FSB members informed of her progress as she nears the end of her current academic studies and starts l
ooking for a post within the accountancy
profession.
However, Helen is very likely to join the ranks of business owners as she has several business ideas of her own that she is currently researching in some detail.
To date Helen has racked up considerable experience in working for the National Health Service, juggling part time work with undergraduate studies, she says, is not easy, but she hopes that the benefits of experience along with her acadamic achievements will help her CV stand out from the crowd when the time comes.
We shall hear more from Helen over the coming months, and the FSB wishes her every success for the future.
Congratulations!
Pictured L-R: Roger Culcheth, FSB Regional Chairman; Judi Brazkiewicz, FSB Worcestershire Chairman, David Collier, University of Worcester, Helen Batchelor and Tim Maxfield, University of Worcester.
Evesham Bridge is one of HM Treasury's priorities for West Midlands!
More information at the Treasury website
Malvern Hills District Council Business Bulletin
For information about the latest business opportunities, events and funding streams.
More information here
Or visit the website
Does Worcestershire need better Broadband?
Broadband is undoubtedly a necessary tool for most businesses today. However, some areas in Worcestershire suffer from slow speeds and in a few cases are still working on dial up! The Government is well aware of the situation and has appointed BDUK to work with local authorities across the country to find out what the current situation is and evaluate which areas are of priority.
BDUK is quite clear about the measure it will use to identify the areas which need Broadband the most – DEMAND!
Every business and domestic address in Worcestershire should register their demand so that the county becomes a high priority.
To register your demand visit the links below and complete the short survey – if you have a residence and a business premises please complete both surveys as home responses will outnumber business.
Business survey
Residents' survey
Worcestershire County Council launches its Corporate Plan
‘Worcestershire, Fit for the Future'. Download your copy