THIS week saw the Summer Economic Update announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer around further support for business and individuals across the country.

This now means there is more funding and advice available for businesses to boost the economic recovery after the full lockdown due to Covid-19. This was set against the backdrop of the economic forecasts predicting the large depression since the big freeze in 1703.

For Worcestershire businesses it is important that those who need information or guidance know where to go to access the various packages of support. I would recommend that businesses get in touch with the county’s local growth hub, Worcestershire Business Central.

The Business Central team are working with partners to make sure they have the latest guidance around supporting businesses through this difficult time. You can reach them by visiting their website, business-central.com, emailing info@business-central.com or calling 01905 677888.

Some of the areas included within the Government’s announcement were, more flexible furloughing, support for traineeships, apprenticeships and careers education for young people. This news is welcomed by the team here in Worcestershire which has recently been chosen by the Careers & Enterprise Company to have a second Careers Hub linking businesses with local schools.

The county is therefore the only area in the UK to have students from Years 7 to 13 engaged within a careers hub.

Alongside this, the Worcestershire Apprenticeships team have been working hard on developing a series of case studies around the county’s tremendous support for apprenticeships. This has resulted in a social media campaign and numerous podcast episodes which will be promoted over the next few weeks.

If there are any businesses interested in supporting careers education in schools, apprenticeship recruitment or work experience for young people, please contact the Worcestershire LEP team who will put you through to the right contact – enquiries@wlep.co.uk

Find out more about Worcestershire’s Careers hub on the dedicated website – skills4worcestershire.co.uk

The Worcestershire Apprenticeships podcasts and case studies are available on their website – worcsapprenticeships.org.uk/