NORTH WEST BUSINESS LEADERSHIP FORUM
Notes of meeting which took place on Monday 23 January 2017
at United Utilities, Lingley Mere, Warrington
Attendees including:-
Geoffrey PiperNWBLT (in the chair)
Lawrence BellamyUniversity of Chester
Elaine BillingtonUnited Utilities
Sandy Lindsay MBETangerine PR & Juice Academy
Lois McClureCo-op Studio
Sir Howard Newby3aaa
Dave Armsonall about STEM
Steve BennettTransition Plus
David Briggs
Alan Carson
Jayne CarterManchester Airport
Jenny ClucasCogent Skills
Kevin CrottyBruntwood
Terry DrayLJMU
Neil FosterProud of Liverpool
Tom HamptonBaxi Heating
Simon KettleManchester Airport
Geoff MackeyBASF
Chris MatthewsUnited Utilities
Adam McEvoy-Robinson3aaa
David MillettAlstom
Simon MowatAstraZeneca
Andy MurrayRSM UK Consulting
Steve PlantUniversity of Liverpool
Val PriceProud of Liverpool
Matthew RollinsonLiCa
Hannah ShephardTeach First
Neil SheppardNSure Consulting
Susan SmithSTFC
Ann SollarsNWBLT
Susan SpibeyBirchwood Forum
Sarah WalkerBT
- INTRODUCTORY REMARKS AND AN UPDATE ON NWBLT ACTIVITES
Members were welcomed by Geoffrey Piper, Chief Executive of the NWBLT, who briefly outlined the team’s current activities. Chris Matthews welcomed everyone on behalf of United Utilities.
- PANEL DISCUSSION ON “APPRENTICESHIP LEVY – TAX ON BUSINESS OR GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY?” FEATURING:-
Lawrence Bellamy, University of Chester
Elaine Billington, United Utilities
Sandy Lindsay MBE, Tangerine PR & Juice Academy
Lois McClure, Co-op Studio
Sir Howard Newby, 3aaa
Each of the panel introduced themselves.
- QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION
Bob Ward referred to the debate between university/ apprenticeship and was interested to hear the business point of view. Did they see universities as still being important or is the shift to apprenticeships. Sandy Lindsay said it was not one or the other, there is a mix which brings diversity with different backgrounds. Elaine Billington agreed they can look at degree apprenticeships. University can be expensive. People can look to do more than 1 apprenticeship. We need to look at the skills gap to fill. Sir Howard agreed and said it was riddled with status. We need the pathways between the two. Parents are part of the problem – they push children to university along with pressure from teachers who are looking at benchmarks etc. Hopefully this will change. A skills mix is vital.
Simon Kettle said there is a legacy of developing apprenticeships. It is about reengaging people and development them in their 30s, 40s, or 50s. This removes the bias to young people. Lawrence Bellamy said programme design is everything, getting the right educational ethos. Sir Howard said 3aaa work mostly with the SME sector with companies having 3 or 5 employees. It is key to get them out of that environment and mix with other apprentices in a formal education setting one day a week. No 1 size fits all. Mark Ward said he run a small business of 10 people and they had to set a programme of integration. Finding the right people is essential. Having two apprentices together is good. Lois McClure said attitudes have changed a lot just recently.
A question was asked if this was a tax opportunity and the relationship between supply and demand. Sir Howard said there is a danger that companies spend the money internally then 16-18 year olds find it more difficult to find apprenticeships. Geoffrey commented that there are a lot of apprentices in the North West, do we know why we are ahead of other regions on this? David Millet said apprenticeships are a vehicle to sail the ocean of opportunity. How do we market apprenticeships internally? Elaine said the world or work is changing. People could have a second career. Apprenticeships are for older people. Susan Spibey referred to working with professional bodies in the development of apprenticeships and “life long learning”. Lawrence said universities and standards are employer led but professional bodies are involved.
The panel was asked how to make sure the apprenticeship brand sticks and has flexibility. Elaine said when there is a change of Government things stall. We have learned from German colleagues that we need to stick to a plan and not be influenced by political events. We need to get information into schools. Steve Bennett said there was a lot of doom and gloom about. The BLT has an opportunity to influence and get the message out. Sandy Lindsay said how do we use energy in a positive way and referred to something like Trip Advisor that parents, schools and employers could refer to. This could be a legacy. Lois said businesses could change lives by employing apprentices. They have to use the opportunity and use the levy. Sarah Walker said we need to engage with children at primary school age, it is about the language we use. Working in the sales sector young people need support when facing customers.
Lois said she goes into schools promoting stem skills. Schools want and need input and options for pupils. Sandy referred to the BLT Skills Charter and an important point is the need for good careers guidance. There are lots of businesses knocking on the doors. Signposting is a problem. Hannah referred to graduate recruitment and said Teach First work as a conduit between schools and business. Geoffrey referred to Innovia at Wigton in Cumbria, where being in an isolated community they work very closely with the local school. He suggested this kind of close relationship could be developed more widely.
Geoffrey ask the panel to summaries their key message in a few words (“tweetable”). These included:-
Tweets:-
Apprenticeships equal quality and choices for people
About promoting the region and genuine alternative to young people
BLT must make a commitment to driving apprenticeships
Change young peoples’ lives
Don’t hire for skills, hire for attitude – you can learn skills
Give a young person a chance, upskill your business #apprenticeships rock!
- CLOSING REMARKS
Geoffrey thanked everyone for their contributions. He encouraged members to get in touch with their comments and to keep tweeting their thoughts and attending the meetings.
Geoffrey thanked United Utilities for hosting the meeting.