I HOPE everyone enjoyed the new year celebrations and is prepared for another successful year for businesses in Worcestershire.

We have lots to look forward to in 2019 with some fantastic programmes and initiatives set to really transform the county for businesses, residents, investors and tourists.

ou can find out more about our plans for the next 12 months in our 2018 Annual Report. If you haven’t yet had the chance to read our Report, you can email the Worcestershire LEP on enquiries@wlep.co.uk to request your physical copy.

One of the exciting upcoming events we featured in our report is the Worcestershire Skills Show 2019, taking place on Wednesday, March 13. The skills agenda was a key talking point at the Worcestershire LEP conference in November, and we know that businesses have repeatedly voiced the importance of skills development.

I am happy to say we have already seen progress on the skills agenda with apprenticeship starts in the county for under twenty five year olds increasing by about forty percent above the national average during last year.

I believe huge events like the Worcestershire Skills Show help to facilitate this by doing a fantastic job in setting up engaging and exciting ‘have a go’ activity-based stands that really bring the world of work to life for young people. This provides young people with the opportunity to learn more about their ideal career.

The Worcestershire Skills Show ties into the ‘Creating our Future Workforce‘ campaign and exhibiting at the show is just one of the many ways businesses can pledge their support to the campaign. The Skills Show will also celebrate the businesses that have pledged their support for the scheme and how they have been able to have a real impact in tackling the skills shortage.

Stands at the Worcestershire Skills Show are free and I would urge businesses to book their stand, so that they can provide an exciting activity that will inspire the younger generations to consider a career in their industry.

If you would like to book your free stand at the 2019 Worcestershire Skills Show, email cec@worcestershire.gov.uk