Give your business the competitive edge in 2017
BUSINESS NEWS
Get the most out of the Apprenticeship Levy
Give your business a competitive advantage whilst capitalising on the Apprenticeship Levy due in April 2017 by providing your employees with the university level skills they need to achieve their full potential .
From 1 April 2017 all businesses with an annual pay bill of £ 3 million or more will be required to pay the new Apprenticeship Levy . This payment will be made through HMRC ’ s PAYE process .
University level skills service , Higher Futures offers free , impartial advice including how to capitalize on the Apprenticeship Levy and recoup this funding to train apprentices up to degree level . Higher Futures can :
• Advise on how this will work in practice
• Assess current training provision , potentially delivered using the levy
• Plan future training progression pathways using the levy
• Look at new opportunities for training to fill skills gaps
• Facilitate the creation of new trailblazer standards with you and others in your industry
• Provide an overview of various training solutions
Mandy Timbrell , Higher Futures Manager said “ Employers sometimes find it difficult to recruit people with the right skills , and local courses are not often available to meet training needs . Higher Futures provides free impartial information , advice and guidance on accessing potential tailored training packages , created in partnership with nationally based university level providers . One of our team will visit to find out more about the business and possible skills gaps , developing a free Training Needs Analysis ( TNA ).”
Higher Futures also works closely with the military community , acting as a conduit to this valuable asset . The service equally benefits any business not subject to the Apprenticeship Levy , including micro and start-up . Find out more about how the team can help your business secure the training your employees need and source any funding available . Call 01225 756174 , email : HigherFutures @ swlep . co . uk or visit the website www . higherfutureshub . co . uk Estimate your apprenticeship level visit : www . higherfutureshub . co . uk / business / apprenticeship-levy /
OPEN DAWES IN 2017
A new public speaking and presentation skills training firm has launched in Wiltshire .
Based in Swindon , Open Dawes Training , founded by Chris Dawes , has been set up to help anyone who may have to communicate with others ; in professional , educational , group , sports or social situations .
Chris is a businessman turned sports commentator , and is regularly heard commentating at motor racing circuits around Europe . He has also gone on to present on the television and radio , and hosts awards nights and events . He is passionate about helping others become confident public speakers and has designed a series of public speaking & presentation training courses to help people convey the best image of themselves .
Chris said : “ This is a project of passion , having gone through the nerves of giving presentations at university and then in business , and training our Resellers ’ sales forces to give business presentations . I found a way to do it , that enabled me to focus on the content of my delivery , the quality and bringing my personality out .
I really believe that anybody has the ability to do this and I want to empower others to not only master it , but enjoy the opportunity . By letting your voice be heard , it ’ s unbelievable what doors it can open ; as I have shown . Speaking up with / in front of
people enables you to inform , motivate , and win over / persuade people , which means it is relevant in every walk of life or professional position .
I now get paid to commentate on my favourite sport , present on TV and radio , and host awards nights etc . It ’ s just a fabulous experience and all because I learnt to speak in public and not let those nerves get the better of me .”
If you have the ability to speak confidently in front of others , with conviction and passion , can master storytelling authoritatively and engagingly , and get your message over in a compelling way , the benefits both personally and professionally are significant !
Training courses can be provided in-house for organisations , in a public group course environment , or on a one-to-one basis at Open Dawes Training ’ s offices .
For more info : www . opendawestraining . co . uk
01793 238259 swindonwiltshire
Local Enterprise Partnership
Give your business the competitive edge in 2017
Higher Futures can work with your business to up-skill your employees with locally delivered , bespoke higher level training solutions created in partnership with our nationally based university level providers , saving you time and money .
We can also help you capitalise on the Apprenticeship Levy
A dedicated HF skills broker will provide you with free , impartial advice and guidance which could include : Assess skill gaps and opportunities , advise on what training the levy can be used on ( new training or existing training ) and develop an action plan with you .
If you would like to know more contact : Email : HigherFutures @ swlep . co . uk Call : 01225 756174 , or visit the website www . higherfutureshub . co . uk
Higher level skills service
Higher Futures is delivered by Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council on behalf of Swindon and Wiltshire LEP
6 THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2017