On stage – from left: Aycliffe Business Park Community acting chair Pamela Petty, NC Group CEO Ian Nelson, Bishop Auckland Group CEO and principal Shaun Hope, principal lecturer( enterprise and knowledge exchangebusiness) at Teesside University Dr Suzanne Hague, North East Combined Authority careers facilitator Lucy Johnson and Aycliffe Business magazine founder-editor Martin Walker.
SKILLS CHALLENGE
Delegates hear how they can upskill their workforce in engaging panel Q & A
The latest Aycliffe Business Park Community( ABPC) Business Community Breakfast brought together industry leaders, education specialists and training providers to discuss the vital role of skills development in business growth and sustainability.
Hosted by Aycliffe Business magazine founder-editor Martin Walker on behalf of ABPC, the event featured a discussion with a panel including Lucy Johnson, careers facilitator for the North East Combined Authority; Ian Nelson, CEO of Aycliffe-based training provider NC Group; Shaun Hope, CEO and principal of Bishop Auckland College Group; and Dr Suzanne Hague, principal lecturer( enterprise and knowledge exchange-business) at Teesside University.
Ian Nelson emphasised the importance of flexible training programmes in business development to the 100-plus delegates.
“ As part of my input, I focused on the importance of flexible training programmes and how they are essential for both personal development and business growth,” Ian told us after the event.
“ Businesses must adapt to change and by utilising flexible learning opportunities, they can achieve this.”
Ian provided examples of successful employerdriven training initiatives at 3M and Gestamp, where bespoke leadership programmes have allowed employees to develop industry-specific skills without disrupting daily operations.
“ Tailoring training to the needs of both the employee and the employer ensures that teams are equipped with the right skills,” he continued.
“ Encouraging employees to broaden their skill sets beyond their immediate roles also ensures greater workforce flexibility.
“ A robust continuous improvement( CI) process and succession planning help businesses navigate industry changes and internal challenges effectively.”
Ian concluded by stressing that investing in people through training not only builds resilience but fosters a culture of continuous improvement.
“ The discussions at the event highlighted
The panel included( from left) Lucy Johnson, careers facilitator for the North East Combined Authority; Shaun Hope, CEO and principal of Bishop Auckland College Group; Dr Suzanne Hague, principal lecturer( enterprise and knowledge exchange-business) at Teesside University and NC Group CEO Ian Nelson.
how crucial flexible training programmes are in navigating an ever-changing business landscape,” he said.
“ Investing in skill development is key to futureproofing individuals and local employers.”
Dr Suzanne Hague underscored the critical skills shortages in key sectors such as technology, manufacturing and renewable energy, as identified in the Local Skills Improvement Plan( LSIP).
She also advocated for early investment in STEM( science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education to bridge these gaps.
“ There is a definite need to invest in STEM, particularly from primary onwards,” she said.
“ I am a firm believer in the idea that‘ if you can’ t see it, you can’ t be it’. People of any age need role models, but particularly our younger residents who will one day be the workforce of the future.”
24 | Aycliffe Business