Ensuring a talented future: cross sector dinner

The business, professional and financial services sector is a significant contributor to the regional economy. It has been identified by the West Midlands Combined Authority as one of the region’s Transformational Sectors. However, whilst our sector accounts for 25% of the region’s GVA, generating £19bn for the WMCA area, it has a £14bn productivity gap compared to the national average.

Skills - or lack of them – is a part of the reason.

So what’s the solution? Do firms recruit the very best they can find or develop their own talent internally through apprenticeships and bespoke training programmes? Or should the sector take a longer term view and develop relationships with schools to address the problem earlier? Can, and should, we do both?

Against this backdrop, we have invited experts including Julie Nugent, Director of Productivity and Skills at the West Midlands Combined Authority to join us and shape the conversation. The discussion will be held according to the Chatham House Rule.

The evening will begin with a brief informal scene setting before being opened to a round table discussion.

Places are limited and available on a first come, first served basis. It will take place over a three-course meal in the private dining room at the Star and Garter in Leamington Spa. The cost is subsidised by Coventry and Warwickshire First, so attendance is just £12.50.

Our aim is to bring people together to stimulate debate and provide an opportunity for our members to put the issues they believe to be important directly to key individuals in the region.