The Chamber is urging the Leicester and Leicestershire business community to speak up and use its voice to influence the 2026 to 2029 Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) for the city and county, currently in the consultation stage.
The LSIP is an employer-led plan that brings together local skills with what businesses need now and in the future. It brings together employers, training providers and wider partners to define the skills priorities for the city and county.
Notable outcomes over the first LSIP cycle include: £1.5m deployed into industry-informed training, facilities and curriculum development; new and strengthened provision in green technologies, digital skills, robotics, AI and leadership; stronger governance and collaboration through new Local Skills Accountability structures. Over 4,000 learners and more than 260 businesses have benefited.
Chamber Director of Policy and Insight Richard Blackmore said: “With unemployment having risen to 6% in the East Midlands, addressing the skills gap is more important than ever. Six out of ten respondents in our last Quarterly Economic Survey said they had difficulty finding suitable staff, a figure persistent across last year.
“I’d strongly encourage businesses in Leicester and Leicestershire to take a few moments to share their thoughts on the Local Skills Improvement Plan. Just a few minutes could make a significant difference to how skills are approached – something that ultimately affects almost any organisation that employs people in the city and county.
“The LSIP is a superb initiative that captures what businesses need in skills, knowledge and behaviours then turns that insight into practical recommendations that help shape local provision and investment. Input from businesses helps ensure training provision matches the roles employers recruit for today and the skills they need for tomorrow.
“While colleges and universities have contributed to the consultation, it’s essential to hear from business. After all, the heart of the Plan is about the connect between skills and business. We want firms to share the challenges their workforce faces, their recruitment needs and the priorities in their sector so the next LSIP reflects real business demand. That then helps guides future investment.”
The first phase has concluded and the consultation period is currently open to define priorities for the next three years.
To discuss the LSIP, partnership opportunities, consultation activity or how to contribute insight, contact the Chamber Policy Team at policy@emc-dnl.co.uk
To register to take part in an LSIP survey click here.
