VISION WEST


policies being put in place which have an impact on the local economic environment. By working together it will be possible to identify solutions to the key challenges.


Second, is the need to work with business to promote the area and attract inward investment which is critical to increasing the number of private sector jobs. Finally, business needs to be at the heart of the Local Enterprise Partnerships, providing clear direction and being prepared to both engage and bring ideas and resources to the table. Business West will continue to offer enthusiastic support to this process.


YOUNG PEOPLE NEED JOBS


The team is not only reactive to events going on at national and local levels but proactive, identifying particular issues which will have an impact on our ability to grow the economy in the future.


One of those is youth unemployment, which has recently hit an all time high across the UK with nearly a million young people out of work. But positive action is being taken and two key schemes have been created. Work Trials enable employers to try out unemployed people in a particular job for up to 30 working days whilst the person remains entitled to benefits. The aim is to encourage employers to consider long-term unemployed people for vacant posts.


Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes designed around the needs of employers, which lead to national recognised qualifications. You can use apprenticeships to train both new and existing employees and funding is available. Arecent report commissioned by the Local Government Education and Children’s Services Research Programme identified a range of opportunities for local authorities and businesses to work together to re-engage young people who were not in education, employment or training (NEETs). The aim is to simplify the opportunities for business to work with young people, to engage companies in strategy development and designing offers for young people.


There is a need to raise awareness of how businesses and employers can offer opportunities, to support them in their provision, and to develop links between initiatives for vulnerable young people, enterprise development and business support. Local business can also be involved in careers information, advice and guidance in schools.


Business West is challenging its members and other businesses to agree to deliver work trials, placements and apprenticeship opportunities to help give young people a chance. Wouldn’t it be great to have 100 firms signed up by the end of April next year ? It can be done. Take the example of Denmark where youth unemployment is now only 3.2%. They have an intensive employment programme to help those at most risk of joblessness. Their job centres take a long term view, working out how to get a jobseeker into a position so that they never have to come back to the job centre. They help young people to make the transition between education and workplace and the firms involved receive £6,000 if they hire an apprentice aged 25 or under for three years. In other words they are spending money now in order to save resources later on.


AHEAD TO 2050


Meanwhile, whilst work is going on to deal with the here and now, there is also activity which will produce a blue print for how the Bristol City Region could look by 2050. It will address the most significant issues facing our areas such as transport, infrastructure, jobs, education and the environment. It will look at a spatial plan which rests on underlying principles of low carbon, reduction of inequality and eradication of poverty. The vision will be produced in a book, with much of the content coming from the internationally renowned planner, David Lock, driven by the vision and ambition of John Savage, our executive chairman and written by Andrew and Mel Kelly. There’s an opportunity for members to become involved by becoming a supporter of Bristol 2050. We are grateful for the generous support that has already been given by our partners HSBC and UWE.


The name of your company will appear in the front pages of the book, on the summary brochure, on the website and there will be the benefit of a PR campaign. Subscribers will also enjoy the right to use the ‘Supporter of Bristol 2050’ logo on their company website, stationery and other marketing materials.


More information from james.durie@businesswest.co.uk


REPRESENTATION The votes are in


The recent local elections gave the general population a chance to express their views through the democratic process and that has produced a variety of outcomes for who rules over the West of England. Nigel Hutchings, director of Chambers of Commerce, reflects on the results.


Bristol followed the national trend and the Lib-Dems lost seats though they remain as the largest group and therefore continue to lead the Council although there are some alterations in the portfolios of senior councillors. There was no change in the governance for both North Somerset or South Gloucestershire, though Bath and North East Somerset did buck the trend with the Lib-Dems winning sufficient seats to draw level with the Conservatives and therefore allowing them to form a minority administration.


So what does all this mean for business? As an apolitical organisation, no Chamber of Commerce will support any particular party. However, we have a keen interest in what all parties have to say, especially those who take the reins of power in our town halls.


Our approach is to forge good working relationships with the people running our councils in order that we have effective lines of communication, allowing us to make our case and influence the way policy evolves.


In many cases there is no risk of argument since virtually every local authority is keen to see economic growth. However, there are some areas which will always prove more controversial. Suggestions that charges should be introduced for work place car parking spaces will not be welcomed by business nor will changes to transport schemes which could jeopardise the chances of attracting Government funding. There will be many areas of agreement and some where debates must be had. Members can rest assured that their Chambers will be vigorous in representing their interests in either case.


Your Voice e-news – have your say!


‘Your Voice’ is a weekly e-newsletter from the Policy & Partnerships team, keeping you up to date with local, regional and national issues relevant to you and your businesses. It’s interactive and ask for your feedback on key issues so that we can continue to lobby, influence and challenge government on your behalf.


In each issue we report on current, topical issues that matter to business and ask for your feedback in a variety of ways including surveys, polls and social media activity. So, make sure you receive your copy of Your Voice and have your say! Visit www.businesswest.co.uk and click on Your Voice to be added to the distribution list.


Business West Update JULY/AUGUST 2011 11


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