Businessplus Winter 2015 | Page 22

Real business problems for utc students Do you have a plan to tighten your belt? We asked Graham Cooper, director at the Leeds site of Agfa Graphics Limited and board member of the West & North Yorkshire Chamber, what’s happening in Leeds manufacturing. As a Leeds manufacturer, what is the biggest challenge facing your business at the moment? As people in our workforce retire we are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit replacements with the skills and aptitude we need. In the next 5-10 years, skill shortages will become severe as retirements increase. You supported the proposal to develop a University Technical College (UTC) in Leeds, what actually is a UTC? A UTC is a government funded school for 14 to 18 year olds that focuses on technical specialisms (in the case of Leeds that will be engineering and advanced manufacturing). A key feature is that Leeds University and local employers will sit on the governing board and work with the school to develop a curriculum that is relevant for both employers and further education. How will a UTC benefit employers and young people? Students at the UTC will be educated with a problem led curriculum (working on real & current business problems provided by the supporting employers). They will have 2-4 years of learning in a work like environment. They will be inspired by the latest thinking and technology from a world class University and cutting edge employers. For the employers the UTC will produce young engineers ready for: apprenticeships, higher apprenticeships, higher education degree courses or direct employment. How can other manufacturers get involved with the UTC? Simply contact myself by email, [email protected] or Mark Goldstone from the Chamber. When is it going to open? It will open in September 2016 stand booKings are now being taKen ECO FAIR stand type standard double feature space Size 6ft x 2ft / 2m x 1.5m 12ft x 2ft / 4m x 1.5m 20ft x 20ft / 6m x 6m West & North Y orkshire Chamber Early Bird Price £495 +VAT £990 +VAT £2000 +VAT 18 June 2015 - elland road, leeds Full Price £595 +VAT £1190 +VAT £2500 +VAT 100 exhibition stands 1000 delegates free expert advice 76% of delegates who attended eco fair 2014 said that they felt “more confident about tackling environmental issues” 81% of exhibitors said that eco fair 2014 delivered new sales leads for them Book your exhibition stand now an early bird offer is available until the end of January. eco fair sponsorship Hugh Bayley visits York company to discuss green energy cuts Hugh Bayley, MP for York Central, met with the boss of York-based renewable energy company, Solarwall to discuss the problems the company are currently facing as a result of government cuts across the insulation industry. Sue Lamb, Managing Director of Solarwall, said: “There are plenty of households needing insulation still but access to the green energy funding is complex, admin heavy, volatile, uncertain and controlled by the energy suppliers. Low-income households are going to get a raw deal with no access to support this winter and as a company we have never experienced such frustrating, challenging and precarious times in the last 37 years. We are finding it difficult to forecast our future insulation work and provide a sound business plan for the next 12 months which is crucial if the company wants to provide a stable solid base for our employees and their families.” As the biggest event of its kind in the North of England eco fair presents a number of sponsorship opportunities. Hugh Bayley MP added: We aim to maximise exposure for our sponsors before, during and after the event. “Britain’s energy market is not working eco fair attracts key decision makers from across the North and is a unique opportunity to showcase your products and services to your target audience. We are happy to discuss individual requirements, your sponsorship can include many ways to raise your profile. For details of sponsorship packages please contact us. West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce Is your waste management contractor pr ݚY[