Business survey launched to inform city-region skills plan

A major survey exploring how businesses feel about skills and recruitment in Greater Manchester has launched, with the results going on to inform a Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) for the city-region.

Funded by the Department for Education (DfE), the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce is conducting the research as part of its role to develop and deliver the LSIP locally.

Businesses large and small and from all sectors across Greater Manchester are invited to complete the Chamber’s short survey designed to understand where the skills gaps are. Once the data has been analysed, it will be shared with post-16 skills providers to ensure they take action on key shortfalls and deliver on the city-region’s skills plan.

Chris Fletcher (pictured), Contract Director for the Greater Manchester LSIP and Policy Director at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said:

“Without doubt, this is one of the most important skills projects we have undertaken in the history of the Chamber. In helping employers with some of the frustrations they have in finding the people with the right skills for their businesses, we can unlock the future growth potential of businesses across our region.

“It’s not just another skills survey. At a time when some businesses are cutting back, not investing in skills, struggling with supply chain delays and a range of other rising costs, planning for the future is key. We can start to address the main skills gaps through the delivery of the Local Skills Improvement Plan so that when businesses are ready to grow once again, they have the workforce they need to do it.”

Businesses can complete the survey here. The Chamber is also organising events across Greater Manchester to gather the views of businesses and is working with Local Authorities and other business representation organisations to reach as many sectors as possible.