Following many national debates around the issue of skills gaps, we felt that it was important to discover whether local businesses faced similar difficulties.  The aim of this piece of work was to use the Partnership to help resolve any issues and, make a positive contribution to the continued success of the local economy.

Initially we distributed 400 questionnaires to businesses based in the Maldon District, following which, 51 responses were received.

The questionnaire asked businesses for their perceptions of the following subjects;

• Difficulties they had experienced recruiting the right people;
• Current skills shortages;
• How new and emerging technologies will effect the way they do business;
• What skills are needed to ensure that their business is able to meet the opportunities and challenges of the next 5-10 years and beyond.

Summary of responses:

Analysis of the responses showed that 80% of respondents were experience a shortage of the right people and/or skills and these were predominantly in the following areas;

• Manufacturing/Engineering
• Chefs
• Construction/Trade Skills
• Sales
• Administration staff

What happens next:

This report has now been fed back to members of the Task Group, the membership of which includes many local education providers.  The information will also be presented to the Local Strategic Partnership Steering Group.

As a result of these presentations, the information will then be used to help inform decisions on the direction of educational delivery in the Maldon District.

Questions/Comments:
For more information or to make general comments about the report please contact us by filling in our online Contact the Business Development Team e-form, or telephoning 01621 854477.