Business News


Young people boost Midlands Engine


Midlands companies must invest in providing job opportunities and skills development to young people to help grow the Midlands Engine. That’s the verdict of EY’s


executive director Dan Hurd. The firm’s charity, The EY


Foundation, finished its 2017 Smart Futures programme in the Midlands, in which 18 Year 12 students from around the region undertook three weeks’ paid business experience as part of the 10-month employability scheme. The scheme, which also


includes mentoring for the students throughout Year 13, is designed to teach new skills, enhance employment prospects and give insight into a range of industries the students would not otherwise have been exposed to.


‘We need to give young people the skills to make the right decisions about their future careers’


Mr Hurd said: “If the Midlands


is to become truly globally competitive, businesses must promote their industries to young people and give their time to help them gain valuable experience. “We need to give young


people the skills to make the right decisions about their future careers, encourage different routes into employment, such as school leaver programmes, and, critically, open their eyes to a range of growth industries where they could develop their skills in the future. “Similar efforts need to be


made to engage a broad range of young people in other key sectors, and business in general across the Midlands, which could help to boost social mobility and the future talent pool, and improve the region’s competitiveness – helping to build the Midlands Engine.” On the three-week business


experience part of the programme, the students worked with representatives from Midlands organisations, including EY, on a range of tasks aimed to develop their employment and business skills, and their understanding of various sectors.


14 CHAMBERLINK October 2017


Brexit means Brexit: Robin Walker (centre) with, from left: David Burton, chairman of Coventry Chamber’s Brexit Club, Henrietta Brealey of Birmingham Chamber, Andy Street and Corin Crane of Black Country Chamber


Hospice family fun day raises funds


Volunteers raised funds for John Taylor Hospice during October in an annual ‘Family Walk and Fun Day’. It is the sixth year that the Erdington-based hospice


has held the event, which raises funds for people living with a terminal illness and their families. This year’s event was held at Hollyfields Centre in


Woodacre Road, Erdington. Walkers tackled a pushchair-friendly 4.5-mile route or a longer nine-mile circuit. Darren Dudley, John Taylor’s community fundraising


manager, said: “Our Family Walk and Fun Day is a popular annual date for supporters of all ages. It’s a great day out with the chance to take part in a choice of walks, attractions including raffles, a tombola, giant inflatables and games. “The event is a great way of supporting John Taylor


Hospice to support local families. Every day more than 600 people receive the care they need from our teams both at the hospice in Erdington and in their own homes. Last year’s event raised thousands of pounds.”


Businesses join summit as mayor marks first 100 days


Business leaders had the chance to voice their opinions to a key Brexit minister in a summit organised by West Midlands mayor Andy Street. Robin Walker MP, Department for


Exiting the European Union (DExEU) minister, came to Aston University for the event which took place in conjunction with the three regional Chambers of Commerce. The event was one of the pledges


made by Mr Street for his first 100 days since being elected as mayor of the West Midlands Combined Authority on 5 May. The summit saw representatives


from the key sectors of advanced manufacturing, health and life sciences and higher education put across their views about the challenges and opportunities they face. Issues around EU funding for research and development, immigration and overseas students were all raised with Robin Walker. Mr Street said: “I have pledged as


mayor to help the West Midlands make a success of Brexit


‘We will continue to work closely with industry to make sure their views are being reflected’


“The most immediate way that I


can make this happen is provide a way for businesses and universities to make their views heard to the people who are involved in the negotiations. As a big exporter of manufactured goods, particularly cars, we have a huge stake in this process. “I was delighted Robin agreed to


take time to listen to the concerns and hopes of organisations here in the West Midlands and help to shape the Government’s approach.” Robin Walker MP said: “The West


Midlands makes a significant contribution to the UK’s economy and will play a crucial role in making the most of the new opportunities that come with leaving the EU. “I found it very useful to meet


with the Mayor and business leaders from the region and we will continue


to work closely with industry to make sure their views are being reflected as we seek to negotiate the right deal for the whole of the UK.” The Mayor’s first 100 days have


seen him fulfill the ten pledges he set out in his manifesto ahead of the election. The pledges can be read here: www.wmca.org.uk/who-we- are/meet-the-mayor/mayors-100- days He said: “I am really pleased we


have been able to fulfill the promises we made in the first 100 days. “What is particularly encouraging


from my perspective is the sense of purpose and collaboration between everybody involved in the West Midlands Combined Authority. “This is underlined by the fact we


are the only region currently in negotiations with Government over devolution of further powers. This way we can achieve our goals for better transport, more housing and improved job prospects.”


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