SKILLS FOR BUSINESS AWARDS RETURN AFTER SUCCESSFUL FIRST YEAR

Following the success of last year’s event, today sees the launch of The Skills for Business Awards 2015, which will celebrate the direct impact learning has on businesses and individuals.

The ceremony will be held on 1 July at The Point, Lancashire Cricket Club. For more information about the Skills for Business Awards visit www.skillsforbusinessawards.co.uk

How you can get involved:

• Tell your employers about the awards ceremony and how they can get involved and have their achievements recognised;

• Nominate the businesses, learners, schools that you work with.

The deadline for entries is 20 March 2015 and the shortlist will be announced in early May.

The awards have been created through collaboration between the Greater Manchester Learning Provider Network (GMPLN), the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce (GMCC), the New Economy (NE).

There are 23 categories across a range of sectors, including financial and professional services, health and social care, manufacturing, construction, retail, hospitality and tourism. Recognition will be given to the best small, medium and large business, as well as awards for the social enterprise, school, learning provider and apprentice of the year. Finally, the region’s most exceptional entrepreneur will be recognised within a new category launched this year.  

The event will also celebrate the outstanding contribution of the ESF funded Skills Support for the Workforce (SSW) Programme.

Mark Currie, Chair of the Greater Manchester Learning Provider Network, said:

“We want to highlight the significant contribution that people make to business and recognise that investment in skills offers a tangible return. The awards celebrate and reward those individuals and businesses who have benefited from improvements made following training”.

Louise Timperley, Head of Skills and Employment from Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said:  

“Once again, we are proud to be part of this inspirational event. The awards are testament to the drive in promoting collaboration with employers and learning providers, in order to deliver the right conditions for sustainable economic growth through training.”

Gemma Marsh, Interim Director of Skills and Employment for New Economy, said:

“Accelerating economic growth remains Greater Manchester’s top priority. This requires a focus not just on increasing productivity, but also on how Greater Manchester’s (GM) families, neighbourhoods and its wider economy can become more self-reliant and less dependent on Government funding. We work with our local business community and civic leadership to secure the best possible training solutions and employment outcomes for the region.

“By celebrating the achievements of our employers, workforce and providers, we want to draw attention to the fantastic work that goes on in Greater Manchester to ensure that our local companies, their staff, and the region as a whole, has the skills to compete in a challenging global economy.”