SME Member Discussion

Join us for our next SME Member Discussion, where we will examine the challenges facing SMEs when trying to access and develop the skills they need to grow.

The CBI’s Education and Skills policy team are also looking for your insights on the ability of smaller firms to tap into and partner with local FE colleges or other education and training providers.

In addition, the team will be looking for members views on the proposals within the Skills for Jobs white paper, and whether the government’s reforms address your own challenges and concerns. This will help shape our position on the crucial issue of skills access and development amongst SMEs.

CBI colleagues will be providing a short presentation on the white paper at the start of the session. Ahead of the meeting, we would ask guests to read the headline points and consider the questions below for discussion.

• Has the government set out the right priorities in the white paper? Is there anything you believe is missing?
• To what extent do proposals in the white paper address the skills challenges facing SMEs?
• What key factors must Local Skills Improvement Plans look to address in order to be successful?
• What business support services would you value from a College Business Centre?

These online meetings are an opportunity for you and your peers to share experiences, gain new perspectives on similar challenges, and take away some key insights on the current economic and political situation.

Who should attend?

This WebEx meeting is for senior business executives who lead small or medium size business organisations.

Get Involved

We want to hear about the current challenges facing your business, how you’ve adapted and what your business needs are for 2021. The CBI will use the insight from these discussions to inform our conversations with government, to ensure the voice of businesses is heard loudly and clearly.