Higher York Brings Boost for Local Businesses
Higher York, the partnership that represents York’s higher education establishments, is launching a range of subsidised training and consultancy services designed to help local businesses and voluntary and community organisations get the support and develop the skills they need to survive the recession, get a competitive edge and make the most of the upturn when it comes. A free initial one-to-one meeting is being offered to determine what combination of training and consultancy will best match each individual businesses needs. Courses are available in subjects as diverse as leadership and management, health care practice, information technology and heritage conservation. They range from on-line training, to half day workshops, to informal one-on-one coaching through to full-time qualifications. Consultancy options are also available to help support businesses such as those wanting to bring new products to the market, or who need help overcoming specific challenges that may benefit from a one-to-one approach. One York-based business that has already reaped the benefits of subsidised training provided by a Higher York partner is specialist mortgage brokers i2i Financial Planning Group Ltd. According to Senior Consultant Adrian McClaren, the business leadership skills course he took at York St John University earlier this year has transformed the day to day running of the business and is helping the company emerge from the recession a much stronger and more flexible organisation. Adrian McClaren, Senior Consultant at i2i Financial Planning Group comments; “The impact of the training on my business has been huge. The course not only motivated and supported me as an individual, but it has also resulted in significant improvements in how the business is run on a day-to-day basis. We have better time management, a more active marketing strategy and a more flexible approach to business. I genuinely believe that without this training, my business would not be emerging from the recession in the positive way that we now are.” With skills shortages identified as one of the largest threats to UK business, the launch of Higher York’s new range of high quality subsidised business and consultancy services has been strongly welcomed by local business leaders. Peter Kay, Chair York Economic Partnership said;“This is exactly the type of training boost that businesses in the York area have been looking for. A joined up approach providing first class training from the top higher education providers in our region. Our future prosperity is locked in our staff. This is the way to unlock it.” Higher York, a partnership between Askham Bryan College, the University of York, York College, York St John University, Craven College and the City of York Council secured a total of £600,000 in funding earlier this year from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and regional development agency Yorkshire Forward. The funding is designed to enable Higher York to provide practical help and support for firms and individuals in the city and across the wider Yorkshire and Humber region in the current tough economic climate by building on their skills and expertise. 60% subsidies are available for the costs of training or consultancy with some training courses being as low as £50 or less per person once the subsidy has been taken into consideration. Jessica Grant, Director of Higher York said; “The range of courses on offer is huge, and they are all designed to enhance the way local businesses work and empower them to excel and expand. Now more than ever we want to help local businesses achieve the long-term benefits of training, not only to help them ride out the tough times, but also to give them a competitive edge and make sure they are in pole position to take advantage of the upturn when it comes and Higher York is delighted to be playing a key role in this.” Julie Hutton, Assistant Director of North Yorkshire at Yorkshire Forward, co-funder of Higher York commented; “Higher York equips local businesses with the skills and support needed to enable the businesses to grow and prosper, which in turn will have a positive impact on the local economy – I urge all businesses to take advantage of this.” For more information on Higher York’s subsidised training and consultancy services please see www.higheryork.org or call 01904 873650