Council’s new skills and growth company to drive Borough’s economic prosperity

 

Cheshire East Council has launched a new ‘arms-length’ company to bring together various skills and growth services under one structure.

The new Skills and Growth company will ensure the Council can deliver more for less, achieving greater innovation and benefits for businesses and residents.

It will direct businesses towards funding and investment opportunities, increase the availability and take-up of apprenticeships, support people into work, help to create jobs, and stimulate growth and innovation.

The new Leader of Cheshire East Council, Rachel Bailey, said: “The Skills and Growth company will be at the heart of the Council’s ambitions to drive forward continued economic growth and skills development in order to create greater prosperity for our residents, businesses and employees.

“Unemployment in Cheshire East is at its lowest for many years and our economic performance continues to grow year on year.

“We wish to continue this exciting journey by ensuring every resident has the opportunity to succeed and every business the opportunity to thrive.”

Councillor Paul Bates, chairman of the new company, said: “By combining skills and growth services, the company can provide a range of joined-up resources that will allow a more focused approach to the various needs of working people and businesses in the Borough.

“We have agreed a delivery plan with the Council that will raise skills and create employment opportunities, unlock growth, promote innovation and ensure businesses have the support they need to grow and invest.

“Put simply, our ambition is to help others to fulfil theirs.”

The new company, launched by the Leader of the Council today, will provide the full spectrum of business and employment-related services, including innovation and growth, business support, inward investment and skills.

It will promote apprenticeships and career opportunities, including opportunities associated with HS2 and the Cheshire science corridor linked to Alderley Park.

More information about the new company can be obtained by visiting www.skillsandgrowth.co.uk