Prisk shows support for 100 in 100 campaign
A government minister has thrown his full support behind the campaign to get 100 businesses to take on 100 apprentices in Coventry and Warwickshire.
The 100 in 100 campaign was officially launched at the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) conference at the Ricoh Arena where business minister Mark Prisk was a keynote speaker.
The campaign is encouraging companies and organisations to take on apprentices in a bid to reduce unemployment and improve skills.
Prisk said: "The issue of skills is a common theme and I believe the LEP is the correct shape and form to help tackle that.
"There are 100,000 apprenticeships being put in place nationally and this partnership is leading by example by showing the value of apprenticeships, which is a very good idea."
Prisk, whose speech was preceded by addresses from LEP chair Denys Shortt and former British Chambers of Commerce director general David Frost, said the government would help the LEP break down the barriers to growth in Coventry and Warwickshire.
He said: "You have an inspirational leader in Denys Shortt and he is always bringing ideas to government.
"The focus for the LEP has to be strengthening the local economy not worrying about what they are doing in other regions, but knowing what is needed here."
Around 350 business and civic leaders attended the conference and following the keynote addresses they took part in a panel debate.
Frost, who is now chair of the national LEP Network, said planning was recognised as a key issue around the UK but that the business world had to get the message across better.
He said: "Business is being portrayed as wanting to concrete over the countryside but that is simply not the case. We need to raise our game in this debate so people understand how this is a barrier to jobs and growth."
Shortt urged more business people to get involved with the LEP to help shape the regional economy.
He said: "We have 150 businesses involved with our focus groups and we have met and spoken to more than 500 companies from around the region.
"We are identifying key barriers to growth – planning, skills and access to finance are regularly identified as issues.
"Government is hugely supportive of LEPs and ministers and MPs are listening to us but you are the LEP so we need businesses to step up to the plate and help us to grow this economy."
The conference also saw a business forum involving MPs and local political leaders as well as a talk from John Edwards, the global brand director of Land Rover.
