Increased skills improves competitiveness
EMB Ltd is encouraging the region's businesses to increase their
competitiveness and show their commitment to employee development
by signing 'The Skills Pledge'.
EMB Ltd employs over 250 staff and delivers the Business Link
and other government business support contracts in the East
Midlands including Train to Gain, UK Trade & Investment and the
Manufacturing Advisory Service. The organisation has already signed
up to the initiative which will see EMB support its employees to
develop their skills and work towards relevant, valuable
qualifications to at least Level 2 (equivalent to 5 good
GCSEs).
EMB Chief Executive Stephen Smith says that the aim of EMB is to
stimulate enterprise within the East Midlands which in turn will
lead to an improved economy. "Our results in delivering the
regional Business Link service already demonstrate how we are
committed to helping businesses start, grow and flourish. Skills
development through initiatives such as this can play a vital role
in improving the performance of a business."
The Skills Pledge for EMB was signed by Stephen Smith in front
of Phil Hope MP, Government Minister for the East Midlands.
Mr Hope is also encouraging more businesses to invest in skills
to increase their profits and competitiveness which are important
in securing a strong economy across the East Midlands. The Train to
Gain service, delivered alongside Business Link, aims to support
this.
On a visit to Nottingham recently, Mr Hope explained that the
Government believes that a more skilled workforce is needed if
business in this country is to compete in the UK and
internationally.
Mr Hope said: "Companies need to focus on quality, performance,
innovation and teamwork, and skills are one of the main platforms
to help achieve this."
Business Link is working with its partners to raise awareness of
the benefits of staff development and the opportunities available
for companies to increase the skills of their workforce.
Stephen Smith explains, "We want more businesses to realise the
benefits of building a skilled and motivated workforce. There are
initiatives to help people improve their skills at all levels in a
business and our Advisers are able to help identify the training
and development most suited to the particular needs of a
business."
To discover more about the business benefits of skills
development or making the pledge, contact Business Link on
0845 058 6644, email
info@businesslinkem.co.uk or visit the award
winning website
www.businesslink.gov.uk/eastmidlands