Have your say in the local skills and training debate

Employers of all sizes, across all sectors, are encouraged to complete the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) survey - a short but influential opportunity to ensure training provision, funding priorities, and workforce planning reflect real business need. To take part in the confidential survey, follow the link here: Marches LSIP Employer Questionnaire 2025 - 2028 - 1 Survey

Ruth Ross, chief executive of Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Skills provision works best when it is shaped by the businesses that rely on it.

“The Marches LSIP survey is one of the most direct ways employers in Shropshire can influence local training and skills support, ensuring it reflects the realities they face now and in the future.”

The survey only takes 5-10 minutes to complete and is open to all businesses - whether they are recruiting now or planning ahead.

“Completing the LSIP survey isn’t about policy for policy’s sake - it’s about making the skills system work better for your business,” Ruth added.

“By taking part, you will help create a stronger skills pipeline, training that matches real business needs, and a louder voice in shaping local investment.

“Insights gathered will inform local decision-making and feed into national policy, ensuring Shropshire’s business voice is clearly heard.”

Shropshire Chamber has been involved in the LSIP project since its launch in 2022, canvassing the views of more than 1,000 businesses across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Herefordshire and feeding them into the regional and national picture.

In November it won the contract to lead the research across the Marches area for another three years.

The project aims to empower local leaders, employers, colleges, independent training providers, and universities to transform skills training – driving national economic renewal from the ground up.