Member Article

Leather businesses receive vital skills assessments through Walsall Business Support grant

Leather companies in Walsall have had their skills and training needs assessed to boost employment opportunities for the future following a £10,000 grant from Walsall Business Support.

Firms keeping alive Walsall’s world famous reputation for leather products have received free training needs analysis sessions to identify the challenges and opportunities ahead of their businesses, helping them to plan their training approach more effectively.

The next generation of saddle, bridle and leather-goods makers will benefit from the sessions by leading skills provider Performance Through People through funding from Walsall Business Support.

Utilising the grant, Performance Through People learning and development tutor Rachel Willetts has worked with leather companies across Walsall borough to identify the challenges and opportunities of the business helping them to plan their training approach more effectively.

The resulting plans means companies can focus training in the right areas, prioritise staff who need development, identify knowledge gaps and strengthen future programmes.

Rachel said: “Thanks to the funding from Walsall Business Support, we have met with a range of leather companies to conduct training needs analysis sessions to identify the successes of their people development work and target areas where they can make an even greater impact.

“Every business we have met has had a shared passion for the leather industry and wanted to preserve its presence in Walsall to build on the proud heritage for the future. Apprentices and younger staff are central to their future success so by helping them train the next generation, we are all pulling together to Walsall leather products remain famous around the world for quality.”

Formed by leading local business figures to distribute funds collected from the legacy of Walsall Chamber of Commerce, Walsall Business Support provides grants to applicants who want funding for projects to enhance business life in the borough.

Councillor John Murray, chairman of Walsall Business Support, said: “The people of Walsall are rightly proud of our leather heritage so we have been pleased to make grants to hone the training opportunities at businesses looking to bring growth, skills and employment for the next chapter in this industry’s development in the borough.

“The leather businesses are superb Walsall success stories, providing a range of employment opportunities for local people, so with the expert support of Performance Through People it is great to see a Walsall Business Support grant help the borough’s economy.”

Walsall Business Support can provide grants and a free training needs analysis to businesses looking to generate growth, create employment or shape training opportunities for the borough of Walsall. Using an online application form on the WBS website, bids for financial support can be made by businesses needing investment in a new project or a company wanting to improve skills.

The £10,000 grant for Performance Through People is the second round of support for the leather industry. The first grant by Walsall Business Support last year was £5,000 to purchase new tools for Walsall Leather Skills Centre, in The Bridge. A further £5,000 grant at the same time went to the Equine Fitters Council to operate a professional directory to promote firms meeting high standards.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Osborn Communications .