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I am delighted to be able to open this virtual conference. 

Today marks a new step forward in developing closer ties between business and colleges. 

For too long, businesses have expressed severe reservations about the skills agenda being supply led and not demand led. For when it comes to productivity and prosperity, the skills agenda must meet the needs of businesses for the economy to thrive. 

As we know, in today’s global economy, businesses thrive by knowledge and that is why we need to look afresh at our relationship with further education colleges. 

So, today, I am happy to announce that the West Midlands Business Council – bringing together business representative organisations such as the Institute of Directors and West Midlands Co-operative and Mutual Council – will work with the Association of Colleges to establish a one stop shop for FE and business co-operation. 

In practice, this means our two sectors working as one on sponsorship, secondments, R&D and courses. 

This work will be complimentary to the services provided by Train to Gain and Business Links.  

This is about building on this work so that a business can access services that suit their needs at the college of their choice. 

We are determined to break down the Berlin Wall that has appeared in the minds of some colleagues in both sectors. 

Later this month, we will launch a pilot project with the Association of Colleges. This pilot will centre on the four Birmingham colleges in the Professional Services CoVe. The pilot will continue for 9 months and, if successful, our co-operation will be broadened to every college in every part of the West Midlands region. 

This co-operation will be centred on the West Midlands Business Council website – www.wmbusinesscouncil.org.uk – and it is Bournville College which should be thanked for leading on this project for the Association of Colleges. 

The West Midlands Business Council has turned its back on the option of carping on the sidelines about the issues that need to be addressed in the FE sector. 

It is only by working positively together that we can make the difference that will lead to enhanced opportunities for colleges and new avenues of opportunities for businesses. 

Today’s virtual conference is about making this co-operation work in practice.  

That is why I would ask all of you to – today – give your ideas as to how effective business and FE co-operation can really kick off to make a difference on the ground for the economic growth of communities across the West Midlands region. 

Please give us your ideas today – for together we really can make the difference.

Dr. Chris Newis

West Midlands Business Council Board Member