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recent releases from Leicester Shire Development Agency, Business Link for Leicestershire and Business Link Lincolnshire & Rutland | 
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12 April 2002
NEWS RELEASE
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT TEAM LAUNCHES NEW STRATEGY
"People success equals business success."
This is the message coming from Business Link Lincolnshire & Rutland as the Workforce Development Team launches a new strategy to reach more businesses and help employers get the most out of their workforce.
Following survey results showing that 36 percent of working age adults in the UK lack basic school-leaving qualifications (Labour Force Survey, Spring 2001) the team is aiming to raise awareness and make workforce development more accessible to both employers and employees.
"Business success relies upon people being able to perform effectively in order to help the business meet its needs," says workforce development manager Sally Walker. "Therefore, workforce development covers a very wide range - from sourcing training opportunities to implementing management development - which is much more than many people expect.
"Once organisations realise what there is available, they begin to examine their training and development needs in more detail and this is where we can help."
The ultimate aim of the workforce development team in Lincolnshire and Rutland is to become the first point of contact for businesses with any HR issue, by developing; promoting and selling tailored workforce development solutions.
Several general advice services are already available, including the Business Training Network and the Workforce Development Information Service. By developing these and others, the team wants to create a 'demand-led' culture for learning, encouraging businesses to become 'learning companies' and invest in their own continuous development.
"The idea is that businesses begin to realise their own training needs and start to develop training plans and relationships with other associated organisations," explains Sally. "Once both parties understand the needs, we are in a better position to provide comprehensive solutions."
"It has been proven that by investing in workforce development, employers will gain higher skilled workers who are more productive, more innovative and better able to adapt to change - something that businesses in Lincolnshire and Rutland can really benefit from."
Mick Gill, development manager of printing firm Mortons of Horncastle, sees the benefits of investing in the workforce. As well as being involved in several regional initiatives, he has supported the start up of an Employee Development Club, encouraging employees to take responsibility for their development and learn new skills in their own time.
He said, "As one of the largest employers in Horncastle, we feel a sense of responsibility to put something back into the community. By providing additional training and opportunities for self improvement, our employees feel appreciated and we gain a more competent and loyal workforce.
"The importance of workforce development cannot be under-estimated," he added. "If you give a bit back to your workforce, it pays dividends."
Ends
For further media information
CONTACT Kate Downs or Duncan Hopwood on 0116 254 4472
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