Time to ‘JOIN THE DOTS’ in Herts skills challenge

A Hertfordshire small business owner is urging educators and employers to ‘join the dots’ as the county tackles its skills shortage.

As the Chamber of Commerce finalises its Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) report to the Department for Education detailing what needs to be done to ensure a future workforce is properly equipped, organisations have been reflecting on the initiative.

The Chamber was selected by the Secretary of State for education last year to lead the LSIP to gain an understanding of where the skills shortages lie and to bring businesses and training providers together.

Andrea Boughton, founder and creative director at Beehive Green, based in Welwyn, attended one of the focus groups set up as part of the process. She said: “As a self-employed creative, it was interesting hearing differing perspectives from educators and employers.

“As a parent, it was amazing to see the efforts of the colleges to provide the best education and the investment in Hertfordshire’s creative sector. Now it’s time to join the dots!”

Ruth George, director at Ruth George HR Consulting in Hemel Hempstead, who also attended a session, said: “It was an important opportunity for business to liaise with 16+ and adult education and training providers and discuss current business and candidate training and development needs.

“It’s clear we have some excellent training provision available in Hertfordshire; the challenge is to ensure all businesses are aware of the offering and to encourage them to collaborate with local training providers to get the training and support that’s right for their business.

“If it doesn’t yet exist, get involved and work with our local colleges to build the training you need. This event reassured me that providers are ready, willing and able.”

A survey carried out as part of the Government-funded LSIP showed that 74 per cent of Herts businesses were prepared to invest in ensuring staff have the necessary skillset.

Briege Leahy, Herts Chamber CEO, said: “I was delighted to see so many businesses and education providers get involved with the survey and the focus groups. The information we received has helped us put together a comprehensive report for the DfE.”

The full report will be submitted to DfE next month with Hertfordshire’s findings and recommendations. The Government plans to have all LSIPs approved during the summer.

The Herts Chamber would like to thank everyone involved from the panellists and colleges to the attendees and survey entrants, the draft for the LSIP findings will be completed by the end of May and the results will be released in due course.

Briege Leahy, Herts Chamber CEO

For more information on the Chamber, visit https://www.hertschamber.com/

Redwood Bank’s football success boosts charities

A specialist business bank has achieved its goal of triumphing in the final of a five-a-side tournament and securing funds for a favourite charity.

Letchworth-based Redwood Bank is celebrating after success in the London finals of the Business Fives earned £350 for charity of the year PoetsIN, as well as helping raise more than £4,000 for other charities.

The Bank is a regular in the event, having been knocked out in the Business Fives Champions League semi-finals in Leicester in 2021, but bouncing back last season to secure a spot in the National Final after a round-robin event.

They were pipped to the title last year by PGIM Investments who beat them 3-2, but came back firing on all cylinders to take the top prize this time around.

Graham Reynolds, Redwood Bank’s Director of Sustainability, said: “We are so proud of what the team has achieved. The competition wasn’t easy but they showed the same level of determination and professionalism that they display in their day jobs.

“They may not be in the same league as Harry Kane, but they are our champions and we couldn’t be happier. Being able to make a further donation to PoetsIN was a bonus and I know that means a lot to the players.”

Lawrence Healey was named player of the match in the final with team-mate James Cross receiving the Golden Glove trophy, making it a hat-trick of trophies.

The national Business Fives brings together companies in a novel networking setting and helps raise money for charity at the same time. To date, more than £380,000 has been raised for UK organisations.

Graham said: “Activities like Business Fives are so important for the Bank to help demonstrate our involvement with the community. The event provides a great opportunity for us to meet other business professionals, and it also puts our charity of the year in the spotlight.”

For further information, visit www.redwoodbank.co.uk