ALONGSIDE the turmoil that Brexit uncertainty has caused businesses, it would be hard to miss that we are in the midst of a national skills shortage.

A total of 43 per cent of businesses within the two counties identifying skills (attracting and retaining appropriately skilled workers) as their top priority during 2019-20, according to the recently released Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Salary & Benefits Report 2019-20, in association with Hewett Recruitment.

About 350 local business have been surveyed and the information collected gives an insight into the issues facing businesses, including recruiting and retaining the right staff.

Although business growth over the next decade will be largely contingent on improved digital connectivity, people will still remain at the heart of business.

There are a number of long term initiatives in place that link young people and businesses to create a future workforce with the right skills, including that of The New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) in Hereford which is working through the stringent approval processes to become a New Provider of higher education with a focus on engineering and gender equality.

In Worcestershire, the Careers Hub has quickly become one of the best performing programmes in the county, driving forward careers guidance and helping deliver more employer encounters and work experience than ever before.

Although it’s great to see these long-term programmes being put into place, businesses will need shorter term solutions to meet their more immediate needs in terms of people and skills.

Included in one of the areas for concern is Leadership and Executive positions. To continue to support the development of supervisors, team leaders and directors, the Chamber has launched its Leadership Development Series for the new decade.

In partnership with 3WH, the programme is for businesses of all sectors and sizes and the six-part personal leadership development programme will allow delegates to learn more about what it takes to be an exceptional leader, build high performing teams and lead change with confidence and conviction.

The sessions are designed to be highly interactive and to develop the future leaders of business, to help unlock hidden potential in future CEOs, and invest in the future of the people at the heart of the business.

Each session will be a chance to work within peer groups from local organisations and will enhance your leadership skills and provide key expertise to take back to your own business environment.

All events will be held at The Bank House Hotel, Spa & Golf Club, Bransford, Worcester WR6 5JD from 8.30am-11.30am.

For further information please visit www.hwchamber.co.uk/events/leadership-development-series or contact our events department event@hwchamber.co.uk or call 01905 673612