Recently, I had the privilege of attending the Business of Yorkshire conference, curated by TheBusinessDesk.com, a fantastic annual gathering of regional leaders, innovators and change-makers driving forward the economic and skills agenda across Yorkshire. It was inspiring to see the collective focus on developing the skills needed for our region to thrive, especially in an ever-changing economic landscape.

The conference came at a pivotal time for the region with a new government, a shared goal, and an appetite to build relationships and work collaboratively to shape and strength Yorkshire’s economic future.

There were several sessions throughout the day exploring business, people, and regional investment. What stood out was the emphasis on fostering partnerships between businesses and education providers to address current and future workforce challenges. This is also central to my role at Leeds Trinity University.

It was inspiring hearing from John Tordoff, Executive Chairman of JCT600, speak so passionately about his family business based in Bradford, Yorkshire. He talked about their values and how they invest in people, a strategic decision to help the company grow and create a culture where people want to stay.

The lunchtime panel discussion, on the theme of ‘creating the skilled workforce of the future,’ allowed Professor Catherine O’Connor, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Experience at Leeds Trinity University, to highlight the work we are doing as a career-led establishment and our approach to supporting skills and talent in the region. Also on the same panel was Katrina Ritchie, Group People and Culture Director from Gripple – a Sheffield based manufacturing company with a large workforce. Katrina explained the benefits of the ‘Apprenticeship Levy’ and how they use this fund to recruit and upskill their existing workforce to try and meet the ever-changing challenges of the current economic climate.

As one of the UK's top universities for employability, we understand the value of working ​in close partnership with employers. They play a huge part in everything we do, from involvement in the creation of our degrees and apprenticeships to the professional work placements offered to our students. We work in close partnership with employers across all sectors – from schools and colleges​ to private, public and third-sector organisations – to help shape and support a workforce ready to meet the demands of Yorkshire’s dynamic industries.

As part of this, we have been engaging with a variety businesses, through the University’s strategic employer partnerships work, to create opportunities for our students and support employers with their talent pipeline. With the opening of our Leeds City Campus in the heart of the city, we are looking forward to immersing ourselves further into the regional business community, helping new and established organisations grow and develop.

It was great to hear from the different speakers across the day including Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire; Andrew McPhillips, Chief Economist at Northern Powerhouse; Nicky Chance-Thompson, CEO at The Piece Hall; Furqan Alamgir, Founder and CEO at Connexin, and Angela Barnicle, Director of City Development (Interim) at Leeds City Council.

The event had a strong mix people from different sectors, such as education, finance, housing, small and medium-sized enterprises and large businesses, charities, and arts and culture, who came together with a shared goal of investing in business and people to create a stronger and more sustainable future for the region.

There were so many takeaways from the conference, but here are few that struck a chord with me:

• Partnership is the key to growth — businesses and educators must work together to ensure skills gaps are filled.
• Upskilling and reskilling are essential to future-proof our workforce.
• Yorkshire has a bright future with its vibrant business ecosystem and commitment to innovation.

If you would like to find out how Leeds Trinity can support your business, broaden the knowledge in your organisation or provide progression opportunities for your talent, please do get in touch. For more information email business@leedstrinity.ac.uk and the team will be more than happy to help.

Elliot Viles is a Relationship Manager (Business Development) in the Centre for Apprenticeships, Work-based Learning and Skills at Leeds Trinity University.