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South Staffordshire’s Business Partnership - Celebrate Success Event: A Sold-Out Success
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The first Business Partnership event of the year, Celebrate Success, was a resounding success, bringing together over 100 guests for a morning of reflection, inspiration, and connection. This sold-out event highlighted the incredible achievements made possible through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which has played a crucial role in strengthening businesses, organisations, and communities across South Staffordshire over the past two years.
From supporting business growth to funding sustainability initiatives, the impact of this funding has been transformational. Throughout the event, attendees heard inspiring stories from those at the heart of delivering this support, as well as businesses that have directly benefited.
As we look ahead, the event provided a platform to explore future opportunities that will continue to help businesses thrive. More than just a celebration, it was a moment to connect, recognise, and appreciate the dedication and hard work driving South Staffordshire forward.
Stay informed about our upcoming events by joining our Business Partnership. Click here to become a member.
Help Shape the Future of Skills in Staffordshire – Take the Employer Survey 2025
Employers across Staffordshire are being called upon to have their say in the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) Employer Survey 2025. Your feedback is vital in shaping the region’s workforce development and ensuring businesses have access to the right skills for future growth.
At the start of the LSIP process, extensive engagement with businesses—including surveys, workshops, and roundtable discussions—led to the creation of the Roadmap for Change. This roadmap has already delivered tangible improvements, and with this latest survey, we want to build on that progress by:
✅ Assessing the impact of changes made so far ✅ Developing the next stage of the Roadmap for Change ✅ Planning for skills over the next three years
Your Feedback Has Already Driven Positive Change
Since the last LSIP survey, several key improvements have been implemented based on employer feedback:
🔹 Better collaboration between training providers – The Staffordshire Provider Network was relaunched to help businesses easily access training and support from local providers. 🔹 Easier access to training resources – The Skills Hub website was redesigned to help employers quickly find accredited local training options. 🔹 Improved funding support – Over 300 businesses have received funding assistance for training through the Skills Hub. 🔹 More flexible work experience opportunities – The Careers Observatory has facilitated 1,000 meaningful workplace experiences beyond traditional two-week placements. 🔹 Enhanced apprenticeship support – A new levy brokerage scheme now helps businesses secure 100% funded apprenticeships for employees aged 21 and over.
For more details on our progress, check out our July 2024 Progress Report.
Have Your Say – Complete the Survey Today
These improvements are only possible because of employer input. If there are changes you’d like to see in the skills system, now is the time to share your views!
The survey takes just 10 minutes to complete. By participating, you’ll be directly influencing the future of skills development in Staffordshire.
📌 Click here to complete the survey
WMI Website Upgrade: Improved User Experience and Real-Time Traffic Updates
 As a direct result of local feedback, WMI has introduced a brand-new Community Hub on its website, offering a dedicated space for residents to stay informed and engaged with the project. The hub provides key updates on WMI’s community initiatives, upcoming opportunities, and essential project developments.
New features include a live interactive map that offers real-time traffic management updates, allowing users to plan their journeys more efficiently. An events calendar has also been introduced, helping locals stay up to date with upcoming works and traffic updates.
Stay informed and explore the new features: Read the full article here.
South Staffordshire Council Wins Gold at IESE Public Sector Transformation Awards 2025
Pictured: South Staffordshire Council’s Enterprise team with the Gold award.
South Staffordshire Council has been awarded the prestigious Gold Award in the Working Together category at the IESE Public Sector Transformation Awards 2025. This recognition highlights the outstanding collaboration and innovation in driving economic growth and business support across the district.
The award celebrates the Council’s commitment to fostering strong partnerships with local businesses, stakeholders, and community groups to deliver impactful enterprise initiatives which has played a crucial role in supporting business resilience, job creation, and sustainable economic development in South Staffordshire.
South Staffordshire Businesses Shine at Staffordshire & Stoke – on – Trent Tourism Awards 2025
 Staffordshire’s tourism and hospitality stars were celebrated in style at the prestigious Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent Tourism Awards. The grand event took place at the Doubletree by Hilton Stoke-on-Trent, where industry leaders from across the region gathered for an unforgettable evening of recognition and celebration.
Sponsored by the University of Staffordshire and hosted by BBC Midlands Today’s Rebecca Wood, the black-tie gala, brought together over 300 attendees. South Staffordshire’s thriving tourism and hospitality sector was proudly represented at the Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent Tourism Awards 2025, with local businesses earning well-deserved recognition for their excellence. The prestigious event celebrated the region’s top attractions, venues, and accommodations, highlighting the outstanding contributions of South Staffordshire’s tourism industry.
Supporting Care Leavers into Employment Breakfast Event
 Social Value ensures your business is operating with principles and policies that positively impact society and the environment, strengthens brand reputation and fosters responsible business practices. A positive Social Value strategy can also help to enhance your scoring when submitting tenders.
How can you make your Social Value strategy stand out?
Industry experts BayNel have joined forces with Staffordshire County Council to deliver a keynote speech highlighting the critical role of Social Value in today's world and provide actionable insights for businesses.
Staffordshire County Council is prioritising supporting care leavers into employment as part of its own, and Staffordshire business’ commitment to Social Value by starting discussions with businesses on how they can support corporate parenting.
Time: 8.00am start to 10.30am
Location: The Moat House Acton Trussell
Date: Wednesday 14th May
Inspirational talks from Staffordshire's key representatives:
- Social Value experts Rachel Woolliscroft and Lucy Boreham [BayNEL]
- Claire Cartwright [Head of Service Children in our Care and Care leavers]
- ...and more
Networking session where you can ask experts about tendering processes at Staffordshire County Council to allow you to strengthen your pitch and find out how to access other council initiatives to support Social Value such as low carbon grants, advice on carbon reduction, foster-friendly work practices and more
Opportunities to...
- Connect with like-minded professionals and community leaders
- Gain an insight into the latest Social Value trends and strategies
- Be part of a meaningful change leaving a lasting impact
Click here to register for the event.
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