Accessing Skills for Growth: Is Your Business Ready for What’s Next?
Finding and retaining skilled talent is more challenging than ever. With evolving demands and rapid innovation, businesses must think strategically about how they build a future-ready workforce. The key? Understanding how to access the right skills and funding to drive growth and productivity.
At pro-manchester, we’re bringing together expert voices to help you navigate the changing skills landscape. Whether it’s upskilling your current team, hiring apprentices, engaging with T Levels, or tapping into new technical education pathways—there are more options than ever before. But how do you choose the right route?
Greater Manchester is at the forefront of skills innovation, with a devolved adult education budget and new technical pathways. National reforms—including the upcoming Skills Levy and the creation of Skills England—are set to transform how businesses engage with the skills system.
Join us to explore:
- What skills support is available for your business
- Practical ways to access funding and talent
- How the skills system can align with your business goals
About the Speakers:
Tracey is an experienced FE professional who has been in the post 16 education for over twenty years. She has built a broad range of experience leading on Business growth, Strategic partnerships, Apprenticeships, Adult education, Careers and Work Experience, and, more recently, meeting skills needs and Ofsted skills nominee. Tracey is passionate about transforming lives through learning. A drive for supporting individuals in technical and vocational education and skills. She is currently Chief Commercial Officer at Trafford and Stockport College Group in Greater Manchester; Tracey has a particular interest in ensuring employers are at the heart of the curriculum and Colleges’ role in the community.
James is the Responsible Business Partner for the North West at GMI Construction, he has worked with Human Resources and Responsible Business. Since joining GMI Construction, James has supported the local communities with various initiatives which have had success stories.
He completed an apprenticeship in building services before moving onto a Human Resources apprenticeship where he gained a CIPD level 5. James believes he can make a difference and is passionate about and supporting our local communities.
I have worked in Early Careers and Apprenticeships for over 10 years with experience in a range of fields from legal to e-commerce. I am particularly passionate about helping to develop and guide individuals as well as supporting businesses to help them help their employees reach their full potential.
Eliza has over twenty years of experience in executive education in Universities designing solutions to meet the skills needs of employees, employers, sectors and regions. As Head of Executive Education she led a diverse team and multi-partner projects. This included as Chair of two large scale European Social Fund projects, with a value in excess of £10 million, targeted at enhancing the skills and capabilities of leaders. During her management roles she continued to facilitate leadership development programmes, conferences and events.
Eliza is a Director and Co-Founder of Honey & Morgan, a boutique professional development consultancy based in the North West. Her work is underpinned by her accreditations in psychometric instruments including MBTI, FIRO and OPQ, as a Lego Serious Play practitioner and as a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD.
CONTACT DETAILS
Alison is based in the City Centre where she is a consultant with the commercial legal practise Lockett Loveday McMahon Solicitors and she also has her own business advisory company.
Alison is a champion of equality in the workplace, recognising the importance of diversity, inclusion and the promotion of health and well-being at work ( both mental and physical). This is not in response to ‘ the latest trend’ but is something she has done throughout her thirty plus year career. In addition, she is keen to support the future generation – promoting links between the workplace and schools /colleges/ and our Universities and working with various mentoring programs.
Alison is a keen supporter of North West Business Community, being a Director and the current Chair of pro-manchester, and of its Skills Committee. She is also an Ambassador for the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity (which raises money for and promotes awareness of the experience of homelessness). Her chosen charity in her role as Chair of pro-manchester is the Pankhurst Trust, incorporating Manchester Women’s Aid which is celebrating its 50th year providing domestic abuse services across Greater Manchester. Its particular focus this year is in on raising funds for children who are the victims of domestic abuse and who make up the greatest number of those living temporarily in MWA refuges.
Alison is a member of the Northern Power Woman Power List, and the Women of the Year Awards. She regularly provides comment to the media- National press, radio and television.
Interested In The Event?
If you’re interested in attending, you can book online here.
