Member Article

New business awards to recognise Greater Manchester skills

Greater Manchester has announced the date of its inaugural Skills for Business Awards that celebrate the direct impact learning has on businesses in Greater Manchester.

The initiative aims to recognise learning excellence in Greater Manchester and will highlight the importance of people as an asset for any business.

The awards are created through collaboration between the Greater Manchester Learning Provider Network (GMPLN), Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) and New Economy (NE).

The ceremony will be held on 3 July at The Hilton Hotel Manchester Deansgate and the lead sponsor is Pearson Work Based Learning, part of the world’s leading education company.

There are 18 categories across a range of sectors including financial and professional services, health and social care, manufacturing, construction, retail, hospitality and tourism.

Recognition will be given to the best small, medium and large business, as well as trophies for social enterprise, school, learning provider and apprentice of the year. The finale will include a special Rising Star award for an exceptional leaner.

Mark Currie, Chair of the Greater Manchester Learning Provider Network said: “We want to highlight the significant contribution that people make to business and recognise that investment in human capital offers a tangible return.

“The awards celebrate and reward those that have identified the improvements that have been made as a result of engaging in learning and quantified the significant financial benefits.”

Louise Timperley, Head of Skills and Employment from Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce said: “We are proud to be a part of this new event as a key partner.

“This event nicely embodies the broader skills work at the Chamber, which also centres on collaboration with employers and learning providers in order to deliver the right conditions for sustainable economic growth.”

James Farr, director of skills and employment for New Economy, said: “Greater Manchester’s comparatively low skills base has long been recognised as a brake on growth and prosperity.

“We work with our local business and civic leadership to secure the best possible skills and employment outcomes for Greater Manchester. By celebrating the achievements of our employers, residents and providers, we want to draw attention to the good work that goes on in Greater Manchester to ensure our local companies, their staff, and the city region as a whole, has the skills to compete in a challenging global economy.”

Deadline for entries is 4 April 2014 with the shortlist announced in May.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .