POLITICS INSIDE He said: “We accept there are arguments in


favour of non-electrification. The cables and catenary are also vulnerable to extreme weather which can cause extensive delays to services, but the negatives are outweighed by the positives. “Mr Grayling claimed that work is being done


on alternative fuel power systems but we are not aware of any examples anywhere in the world where alternative power has been used to drive intercity, 125mph trains and is it realistic that these technologies will be used on Midlands Main Line by 2022? “How is non-electrification consistent with the


Government’s commitment to decarbonise the economy? Is it really likely that bi-mode trains could deliver the same performance that electric trains would? “How will HS2 and Midland Main Line properly


integrate without electrification and how does non-electrification fit into longer term strategic goals for HS2, such as serving Leicester in the same way that they’ll serve Chesterfield and Sheffield? And the existing 40-year-old high speed stock on Midlands Main Line will become non-compliant with regulations on disabled access in 2020 – at least two years before the first bi-mode trains are due to begin service. What are the Government’s plans for dealing with the two-year gap? “These are just some of the questions the Chamber, as the biggest business-representation organisation in the Midlands, will be working with its MPs to get Mr Grayling to answer.” He added: “Improvements to rail services and


capacity in terms of both freight and passengers are the ‘number one’ infrastructure investment need in the East Midlands today. “Electrification of the Midland Main Line to Sheffield, Leicester, Nottingham and Derby is seen as the primary enabler to achieve these objectives and will deliver a step change in the way rail contributes to the economic growth of the East Midlands. “We believe that a golden opportunity to


enhance growth – for a modest investment against comparable projects – is being missed. “Investment in HS2 sends a message to the


world that UK plc is forward-looking, confident beyond Brexit and will have a railway fit for the 21st Century and capable of meeting predicted increases in passenger numbers. Non-investment in electrification of the Midland Main Line says exactly the opposite.”


WESTMINSTER


Ben Bradley, MP for Mansfield, on the link between education and business.


Businesses must do more to connect with further education


The future of post-16 education is, in my mind, business-led and work-based learning. While the academic route through school and university is well known and well- trodden, the route for those in further education is much less clear. Colleges and other providers offer a variety of courses, from technical and vocational qualifications to basic employability skills, but I often hear feedback, particularly from smaller businesses, that these skills don’t match with their needs. We’ve seen sweeping reforms in education, including the grading system and the format of academic qualifications like A-levels and EBaccs, which at first glance, with results having just come through this year, seem to have been relatively positive. What we haven’t seen yet is the same focus and reform of further education or vocational qualifications. T-levels are in the pipeline and are being written by businesses, in the hope that they will have more relevance than currently exists, but I think we can go further. We’ve seen in recent years the amazing growth of Apprenticeships, and with it some


‘It would be an amazing boost to both business and to young people to see more direct involvement from business in further education’


brilliant success stories, but we need to continue to market these schemes effectively and overcome the old stereotype of what ‘apprentice’ means. When delivered properly, it can be the perfect route for both the company, which ends up with a permanent employee perfectly moulded to their needs, and the employee themselves to train on the job and to earn while they learn. It would be an amazing boost to both business and to young people to see more direct


involvement from business in further education too, whether it be more work experience and direct links to colleges, more open days, or even businesses delivering qualifications and courses through FE establishments. What better way to ensure people locally have the skills to meet your needs, and equally ensure that our young people have qualifications that are relevant to jobs in the local area. Schools with independence from local Government can also get in on this act, and


there are even schools that are directly funded and sponsored by big business, providing amazing opportunities for children as young as 11 to get an education that’s more relevant to the world of work. Academies and Free Schools, among others, should get on board too and I hope over the coming years we can facilitate that discussion and cooperation.


ABOUT BEN BRADLEY Ben was elected to serve the constituency of Mansfield in Parliament on 8 June 2017, becoming the first ever Conservative MP for the constituency. He is working to support local people across a variety of issues and holds regular constituency surgeries. He is already proving to be a strong voice for Mansfield in Parliament, talking about the constituency at every opportunity. His priorities in Parliament include skills and education, which he feels are particularly important as Mansfield continues to grow and move forward, as well as working towards reducing homelessness in the town. Ben has a long history of working in public-facing roles with De Vere Hotels, Aldi Supermarkets and as an Office Manager for the Open University. His most recent role before falling in to politics in 2013 was with Hays Recruitment in Nottingham. Ben moved to work for Mark Spencer MP and Sherwood Conservatives in August of


2013 and has most recently been Conservative Group Leader at Ashfield District Council and a County Councillor.


business network October 2017 29


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