Kickstart – A cost effective opportunity to drive positive change
The responsible business agenda is a term we are all familiar with but what does it mean in practice? With the UK now in recession for the first time in 11 years, how can you continue to innovate and grow, bringing fresh perspectives and new ideas into your business while also giving something back to GM?
Focusing specifically around skills and employment this session will help to demystify some of the jargon, offer some practical solutions and will put the spotlight on Kickstart, the new Government-funded scheme launched to support the UK’s economic revival and help businesses quickly, easily and effectively drive positive change for the young people of GM.
About the Speakers:
Sam Booth is Co-Chief Exec of pro-manchester, the growth network that brings together ambitious businesses across Greater Manchester to connect, develop and shape the future of the city region.
Sam leads the organisation’s outward-facing agenda, building strong relationships across the region and working closely with partners, members and stakeholders to understand where the biggest opportunities are for business. She brings an external perspective to pro-manchester’s work, helping to identify what matters now, where momentum is building, and how the organisation can create the right conditions for collaboration, growth and influence.
Alongside Co-Chief Exec Nicola McCormick, Sam is part of a leadership model that breaks from tradition. Together, they lead pro-manchester through a shared, collaborative approach that reflects the organisation’s belief in community, support and creating opportunity together. As two women leading side by side, they are proud to be showing that in Manchester, leadership can look different – and stronger – when it is built on partnership.
Sam has been at pro-manchester for 17 years and has been an integral part of its growth. A firm part of the Manchester business community, Sam is a familiar face to most, constantly and efficiently working to bring businesses together in the city region.
Sam also sits on the board of trustees for Forever Manchester, a charity that supports community activity across Greater Manchester. As well as this, Sam also sits on the Greater Manchester Economic Resilience Board, the Greater Manchester Organisational Representatives Group, the Manchester Business Sounding Board, the Bee Net Zero Advisory Board and the Manchester tech hub Board. In 2019 Sam also became the Regional Deputy Chair of TheCityUK, where she helps to engage the national body on a regional level on behalf of individuals in the financial and professional services industries.
Ian Kerr, Operations Director at the Growth Company. Educated in Manchester, Ian moved to study History and Economics in Sheffield before returning across the Pennines to begin a career in economic development in Greater Manchester. He has worked in a number of roles dedicated to driving economic growth, including positions at The Manchester Chamber of Commerce, the Urban Regeneration Company, New East Manchester and as Policy Director, New Economy, where he was responsible for the production of the Manchester City Region Development Programme. Ian has worked as Operations Director within The Growth Company for 15 years, delivering a significant number of high profile welfare to work and skills programmes including Kickstart.
Claire is the standalone HR Manager for MID Communications Ltd, the largest O2 Franchise in the North West operating across 17 sites and is Investors in People, Platinum Accredited, until 2022. As HR Manager, Claire is responsible for looking after the wellbeing, development and engagement of employees within the organisation.
Jon-Paul Rimington is the Managing Director for GC Education & Skills within the Growth Company, which is specifically focused on supporting new entrants into employment and the provision of ongoing individualized support to enhance continued progression.
An experienced Director at operational and board level, Jon-Paul has over 20 years’ experience within the work based learning and Apprenticeships sector.
Carol has spent the majority of her career working on post 16 education and skills issues within the public sector. Roles included the planning and funding of provision within colleges and independent training providers and have been delivered at both an operational and leadership level. Carol has worked within government funding agencies, namely Cambridge Training and Enterprise Council and Cambridgeshire Learning and Skills Council before returning home to Greater Manchester to work at Greater Manchester Learning and Skills Council and Wigan Council.
Before joining the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter Unit, Carol was Chief Executive of ProCo NW Ltd, a training provider based in Wigan.
Interested In The Event?
If you’re interested in attending, you can book online here.
For any further enquires about this event, contact [email protected]
