
Jobs push takes off in South West
A new initiative has been launched in the South West to encourage businesses to back job creation, training and skills development.
The Jobs Foundation, an independent charity that champions employment as a driver of social mobility, hosted its regional launch in Dorset with the support of the South West Business Council.
More than 40 business leaders attended the event at the Captain’s Club, in Christchurch.
A panel discussion was chaired by regional chairman Simon Boyd, managing director of REIDsteel, alongside Jobs Foundation president Lord Elliott of Mickle Fell, Aspire Jobs managing director Helen Stacey and Tim Lloyd, president of Christchurch Chamber of Trade and Commerce.
The discussion and Q&A explored issues ranging from the Employment Rights Bill and the regional jobs market to the role of sectors such as hospitality in creating future opportunities.
Apprenticeships, higher education, workplace training, women’s participation, disability inclusion and the growing impact of artificial intelligence were also high on the agenda.
Simon said: “Numbers started as a trickle but are steadily growing across the business community.
“The more businesses we have, the more power we can generate to pass on expertise to help more people into work and effect policy change.”
“The Jobs Foundation is a fantastic vehicle of opportunity for young people, disabled people, older people, those out of work and for businesses to come together to share good ideas and do what’s right for our community, our people and our country.”
A central theme was the foundation’s call for a proposed Skills Tax Relief in the Budget, which would allow companies to offset the costs of apprenticeships, vocational training and work-based learning.
The measure aims to open up new opportunities for young people not currently in education, employment or training.
The South West is the second region to launch a Jobs Foundation Business Council, following the North East earlier this year.
Nationwide, more than 1300 businesses have joined the council.
Georgiana Bristol, chief executive of the Jobs Foundation, added: “We were delighted to launch our South West Business Council.
“It will host regional policy roundtables, contribute to the Jobs Foundation’s research programme and become a crucial network for our accreditation scheme when it launches in 2026.
“Thanks go to our panel, everyone who attended the launch and our South West Business Council Chairman, Simon Boyd, and REIDsteel, without who this event would not have been possible.”
Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →